Small traders hit because of frequent vehicle raids by poll squad
Posted on: 19/Mar/2014 2:30:26 PM
Since the model code of conduct came into force on March 5, the second hand car dealers, merchants and traders say the frequent checks on vehicles to see if cash is being transported for distribution among voters has affected business
Last week, a software engineer carrying 1 lakh to buy a second hand car was detained in Kilpauk and the cash taken away by police. Xavier Elango, a used car dealer in Nungambakkam, said buyers from other parts of the state were scared to come with cash to the city fearing checks by authorities.
M Nagaraj, a wholesale flower merchant in Koyambedu, said traders like him who only dealt in cash, were badly hit. “Traders from other parts of the state are not carrying cash with them till the elections are over,” he said.
On Saturday night, hundreds of vehicles proceeding towards airport were stopped. Police checked even air passengers’ bags.
