Cash to the tune of Rs 20.85 crore, alcohol worth Rs 27 crore seized in Karnataka

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The Election Commission on Friday said Rs 20.85 crore cash and alcohol worth over Rs 27 crore has been seized since the model code of conduct came into effect on March 16 in the state.

The Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka will be held in two phases on April 26 and May 7 for 28 constituencies.

The value of seizures till date stood at Rs 62.42 crore, it said. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike claimed to have seized alcohol worth Rs 9.08 lakh in the Bengaluru city limits while Drugs and Narcotics Substance worth Rs 10.2 lakh were seized on Friday alone.

A total of 58 FIRs were submitted to the excise department. According to a statement issued by the office of Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer, since the Model Code of Conduct came into force, flying squads, static surveillance teams and police authorities have seized Rs 20.85 crore cash, Rs 70.86 lakh freebies, 8.63 lakh litres of liquor worth over Rs 27 crore, 211.23 kg narcotic substances worth over Rs 1.47 crore, more than 15 kg gold worth over Rs 9 crore, 59.04 kg silver worth over Rs 27 lakh and 21.17 carat diamonds worth Rs 9 lakh among others.

They have also registered 969 FIRs with regard to seizure of cash, liquor, drugs, precious metal and freebies.