Over Rs 170 crore worth of cash, materials seized in poll-bound Karnataka

The authorities have seized materials worth over Rs 170 crore in poll-bound Karnataka including cash, liquor, and precious metals after the model code of conduct (MCC) came into force on March 29.

The enforcement agencies have seized Rs 71 crore in cash, liquor worth Rs 38 crore, precious metals worth Rs 29 crore, freebies worth Rs 19 crore, and drugs worth Rs 13 crore, according to the office of Karnataka's Chief Electoral Officer.

The total confiscated amount stands at Rs 170.27 crore. Also the authorities have filed 1,410 FIRs in connection with the seizures.

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.

It has become a common practice for political parties to woo voters during elections by offering money and freebies. Hence, the enforcement agencies keep a strict vigil at key points to prevent the flow of money and freebies.

The MCC was enforced 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.

However, the Karnataka High Court, last week, directed the Election Commission to release the 530 bags of rice confiscated by officials in Bengaluru on March 19, saying officials can also search and seize materials once the poll dates are announced.

"After the declaration of elections, the entire domain would be open, but not till then. Seizure is to be exercised by the authority/officers under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, under normal circumstances. The Returning Officer and the Inspector of Police, who have conducted the search in the case at hand were not vested with such authority and their action is, therefore, illegal," PTI quoted the court as saying.