Suspense over the release of the Rs.570 crores seized from three container trucks continues even after 36 hours, despite the supportive documents submitted by the bank authorities.

The money was seized by election department officials, after chasing the trucks that were accompanied by three cars, when they failed to stop at the Chengapalli checkpost in Tirupur District, around 1 AM yesterday.

A high-level committee, led by the Expenditure Observer, conducted a detailed inquiry with the State Bank of India officials for more than 12 hours, over dispatching the money without proper documents and adequate security.

The bank authorities clarified that the money was being transferred from Coimbatore Main Branch to Vishakhapatnam branches, and said that it was done according to the RBI guidelines. But, despite the explanations, the release of the containers, which are being kept under tight security since last evening, was delayed, pending orders from the Election Commission.

On release, the money is very likely to be taken back to Coimbatore, for security reasons.