The Election Commission of India has put in motion the process to set up air-intelligence units at Bhopal, Jabalpur and Indore airports of poll-bound Madhya Pradesh to monitor cash transfers and other assets like bullion.

A team of four Income Tax officials, to be headed by a deputy director, will make these units and keep a strict vigil on chartered and commercial flights. The Director General of Income Tax (Investigation) has already written to airport managers to allot suitable space and infrastructure at these three main airports in the state.

The communication says the CISF or the police authorities, on detection of cash exceeding Rs 10 lakh or bullion weighing one kg or more in the baggage of aircraft flying to and from the poll-bound state, shall immediately bring it to the notice of the IT department.

The IT officials will verify the assets and take necessary measures like seizure if satisfactory explanation is not given and carry out a video recording of the proceedings. The passengers of chartered flights will have to pass through security check. CCTVs will also be set up at all commercial airports.

The ATC at commercial airports will inform the election machinery at least half an hour before a chartered plane or helicopter takes off. The ATC will also keep a record of such flights and inform the local machinery within three days. Details will include take off and landing timings, the luggage and route plan.