Rs 30 lakh unaccounted cash seized in Karnataka

Bengaluru: Unaccounted cash amounting to Rs 30 lakh and vehicles and valuables worth Rs 63 lakh were seized by poll officials ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka next month, an election official said on Thursday.

"The flying squads and static surveillance teams (set up by the Election Commission to enforce model code of conduct) along with the state police have seized unaccounted cash of Rs 30 lakh till date," state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sanjiv Kumar told the media here.

Valuables including silver and vehicles were also seized in the southern state since March 10, when the model code of conduct came into force with the announcement of the Lok Sabha election schedule.

Excise Department officials have seized liquor worth about Rs 4 crore for breach of licence and other issues, Kumar said.

A total of 1,512 flying squads and 1,837 static surveillance teams were in place in the state to ensure the model code of conduct is adhered to.

The poll officials have removed from across the state 38,325 unauthorised posters and 19,409 banners and lodged two cases under the Karnataka Open Places (Provisions of Disfigurement) Act, 1981, the CEO said.

The CEO also directed the public to be prepared to produce relevant documents if they are carrying cash over Rs 50,000 and gifts more than Rs 10,000.

Digital wallet and bank transactions will also be monitored by the EC closely to prevent any misuse of money, he said.

"People are requested to cooperate during inspection of vehicles and luggage by the poll officials," Kumar said.

Polling for Lok Sabha elections will be held in Karnataka in two phases -- on April 18 for 14 seats and on April 23 for the remaining 14 seats. Vote count is on May 23.