Telangana Polls: Rs.87.29 Crore Cash Seized Since MCC Put In Place

Hyderabad: Election officers have seized over Rs.87.29 crore cash and filed 1,065 FIRs since the model code of conduct (MCC) for the Assembly elections came into force on October 9, in Hyderabad district comprising 15 constituencies.
Among them, 292 cases summing up to a cash seizure of Rs.37.81 crore was escalated to the Hyderabad district grievance committee (HGC).  The remaining were referred to the income-tax department and other government organisations.

As per norms, if the seized cash has no link to a political party, candidate, or election campaign, and if a FIR or complaint has not been filed, the committee should return it.

“Out of the 292 cases that have been referred to HGC, we have resolved 279, and Rs.33.21 was returned. Ten cases adding up to Rs.4.7 lakh have been referred to I-T department. Three cases involving Rs.7 lakh are pending,” said N. Madhusudhan, Hyderabad additional collector who heads the committed.

Even after the polling ended, in the 24 hour period ending 6 am on December 2, officials seized Rs.10,750 cash. In addition to this, since the MCC came into effect, 4,628 arms were deposited, 3,818 persons have been bound over 2,440 non-bailable warrants have been issued.

“The license holders can take the weapons back after December 10, upon the completion of the election process,” said an official from Hyderabad district Election Authority.  He said that the weapons will be handed over back by the police.

In addition to cash seizure, as  part of MCC enforcement,  158 FIRs were filed for hate speeches and holding meetings without permission. Only 31 cases were booked for giving money to voters.