Poll officers seize Rs 2 crore from vehicle in Hunsur

BENGALURU: Election officers seized Rs 2 crore carried in three sacks in a Bolero vehicle at the Manuganahalli check-post in Hunsur taluk at around 6.30pm Monday. Two of the four passengers in the vehicle, however, claimed to be  MDCC bank employees transferring money from Mysuru to their bank in Periyapatna via Hunsur.

Mysuru district officials said it  appeared to be a procedural lapse on the part of the MDCC bank as banks were expected to follow the protocol of the Indian Banks Association and the Election Commission while transferring money during elections.

“There were issues related to the ID of the employees carrying the money, and there were not enough documents relating to the transfer. Once they are produced, the money will be released back to the bank,” they said.  

Coincidentally, CM B.S Yeddyurappa was holding a BJP poll rally in Hunsur Monday night. So far, there have been eight cases of violations of the model code of conduct in Hunsur, and one in Mysuru, where sarees in covers carrying stickers of BJP leaders were seized.

JD(S) supremo, H D Deve Gowda alleged that BJP was using money power to win the elections.  “Nobody questions no  matter how much money Yediyurappa transfers. Disqualified MLAs are told to ask for any amount. Even ministers, in charge of constituencies, have been told to call when they need any money,” he charged.