Rs 10 Cr impounded money belonged to a private bank in AP: CEO

Bangalore, Apr 22 (UNI) Karnataka State Chief Electoral Officer M N Vidhyashankar today said that Rs 10 Crore seized by Bellary Police yesterday was drawn from Axis Bank, Karnool branch in Andhra Pradesh.

Addressing a press conference here, he said that the Bank has been asked to provide details whether it has followed the RBI norms and to which place the money has been transported. The Election Officers had information about the possible transportation of a large sum money from the bank before the seizure.

He said that "initial reports suggested that the money was drawn from Karnool branch Axis Bank and Election Commission has sought details from the concerned bank on whose behest the money was drawn and whether RBI guidelines have been strictly followed in transporting such a huge amount. In the absence of satisfactory reply from the bank the Election Commission officials will proceed with filing criminal cases" he added.

It may be recalled that the election authorities have seized Rs 3.25 crore from a vehicle in Mandya district recently and an inquiry has been ordered into it. The police also seized Rs 5 lakh from a car allegedly belonged to BJP worker in Mysore and a criminal case has been filed after impounding the cash.

Replying to questions, Mr Vidhyashankar said that the EC has filed over 500 criminal cases on various individuals and political parties ever since the model poll conduct was enforced in the state.

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