India: Tax authorities seize $30 million in cash ahead of state elections

Indian tax officials have seized more than $30 million in cash and gold in raids on suspected tax evaders this week including a record haul of Rs1.94 billion ($26 million) and 23 kg of gold ahead of assembly elections in five states.

The raids triggered a flurry of accusations from rival political parties over protection for tax evaders as they prepare to compete in the elections, including in the bellwether state of Uttar Pradesh.

The seizures also shone a spotlight on the hot political issue of undeclared "black money" in a country where millions of people scratch a living on a dollar or two a day.

"This is the biggest ever seizure of cash," the finance ministry said in a statement.

Tax officials seized the Rs1.94 billion and 23 kg wrapped in sacks in an underground storage facility on the premises of a manufacturer in the city of Kanpur, in Uttar Pradesh, who media has reported is linked to a political party.

Also seized was 600 kg of precious sandalwood oil, officials said.

"The case exposed the utter failure of demonetisation," P. Chidambaram said on Twitter.