Karnataka election officials seize cash and materials worth Rs 108 crore in 11 days

From Rs 20.12 crore in the run-up to the 2018 Assembly polls, the seizure has increased by 440%.

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The Election Commission said that cash and materials have been seized in Karnataka. (File Representational Photo)

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The Election Commission has said that cash and materials worth Rs 108.78 crore have been seized in Karnataka in the 11 days since the model code of conduct for the May 10 Assembly polls took effect.

The seized items include Rs 37.24 crore in unaccounted cash, 5.23 lakh litres of liquor worth Rs 26.68 crore, 397 kg of illegal drugs worth Rs 11.54 crore, 34.36 kg of gold worth Rs 14.96 crore and freebies worth Rs 15.80 crore.

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The commission also said that during the same number of days (27 March 2018 to 9 April 2018) ahead of the 2018 Assembly elections, Rs 20.12 crore worth of cash and materials were seized. This shows that the seizure has increased by 440 per cent.

Flying squads, static surveillance teams and police have registered 965 FIRs with regard to the seizure of cash, liquor, illegal drugs, precious metals and freebies. As many as 2,611 cases were booked under preventive sections of the Code of Criminal Procedure, and 3,837 persons were detained. Since the announcement of the elections, 6,306 non-bailable warrants have been executed.

The excise department has booked 1,138 heinous cases, 768 cases for breach of licence conditions, 40 NDPS cases and 3,771 cases under section 15 (a) of the Karnataka Excise Act 1965. Also, 743 vehicles have been seized.

The flying squad seized drugs worth Rs 8.17 crore in the Jayanagar and Chickpet constituencies of Bangalore South City.

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