Seizures worth Rs. 375.61 cr indicate use of money in Karnataka polls

BENGALURU: Enforcement agencies in Karnataka, as on May 8, have made seizures worth Rs. 375.61 crore, since the model code of conduct for the upcoming elections, came into force a month ago. The seizures made ahead of the State Assembly elections amount to about 4.5 more than those made during 2018 Assembly polls.

Additionally, from the second week of March till the date of announcement of elections in Karnataka, Enforcement agencies had seized cash and other materials worth Rs 83.78 crore, said the Election Commission of India in a press release on Tuesday.

The ECI stated that strict vigil, extensive monitoring, coordination with neighbouring States and inter-agency coordination led to the checking the flow and distribution of inducements in Karnataka.

In the 2018 election, seizures of Rs 83.93 crore were made and the seizures include cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals and freebies such as sarees and others since the model code of conduct came into force in the State for the Assembly polls.

Among the seizures made by Enforcement agencies include cash of Rs 147.46 crore, liquor worth Rs 83.66 crore, drugs seized amounting for Rs 23. 67 crore, precious metals (gold and silver accessories) worth 96.60 crore and freebies which include sarees, cookers, sewing machines and others worth Rs 24.21 crore.

The notable seizures of cash included cash of 4.04 crore in Bangarpet Assembly seat of Kolar district and another was 100 kg ganja seizure in Bidar district.

Among seizures of freebies include sarees and food kits in Kalaburagi, Chikkamagaluru and other districts while pressure cookers and kitchen appliances seizures were made in Bailhongal, Kunigal and others.

 

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