In 5 days, freebie material, cash worth Rs 47.43 cr seized in Karnataka

In a matter of five days, the Election Commission has seized materials worth Rs 47.43 crore, including cash, liquor, precious metals and other items meant to be distributed as freebies among the voters in Karnataka.

The authorities have seized Rs 12.82 crore in cash, liquor worth Rs 16.02 crore, narcotics worth Rs 41.26 lakh, precious metals worth Rs 7.36 crore and other materials worth Rs 10.79 crore, The Hindu reported citing a statement of the EC.

As there is a rise in the amount of seizures, the EC has increased the number of squads, Additional CEO Venkatesh Kumar told ET. He also claimed that all parties pay bribe but it is difficult to prove. "We now book the FIR on whoever's name or symbol is there on the goods being distributed. If it is anonymous, we book the person holding the inventory of freebies," he explained.

The Model Code of Conduct came into effect on March 29 after Election Commission announced the date of the polls. However, the seizures had already started even before the code came into force. The EC had seized cash and other articles worth nearly Rs 58 crore from March 9 to 27.

"After the Election Commission officials visited the State on March 9, they were made aware of media reports about free food and goods distribution. They asked the local bodies to be extra vigilant and curb the practice by using appropriate laws," he added.

The authorities have heightened vigil at the border points to prevent flow of money and freebies to Karnataka ahead of the Assembly elections next month. The single-phase election in Karnataka will be held on May 10 and the counting for the 224 seats will take place on May 13.