New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) today claimed seizures of more than Rs. 375 crores so far in the poll-going Karnataka. Besides, assets worth Rs. 288 crores were also attached by the Enforcement Directorate since the model code of conduct was implemented in the state. Additionally, from the date of the visit of the Commission in the second week of March 2023 till the date of the announcement of elections, seizures of Rs. 83.78 crores were also made by various enforcement agencies.
The seizures this time are 4.5 times more as compared to Assembly Election in the state in 2018 when the total seizure was to the tune of Rs. 83.93 crores, the ECI said. The polling takes place in the state tomorrow.
Details of seizures already done so far (as on 08.05.2023) in Karnataka are as follows:
This time notable hauls included the seizure of Rs 4.04 crores of cash in Bangarapet Assembly Constituency in Kolar District, raid of a lab illegally manufacturing Alprozolam in Hyderabad by intelligence gathered and trail mapping done by Narcotics Control Bureau; 100 kg ganja seized in Bidar district; significant liquor seizures made by all the districts.
Another striking feature of expenditure monitoring has been huge seizures of freebies, the Commission said. Sarees and food kits have been seized from Kalburgi, Chimanglur and other districts. A huge number of pressure cookers and kitchen appliances were also seized from Bailhongal and Kunigal and other Assembly Constituencies.
During the visit to Karnataka in the second week of March, the Election Commission stated it had exhaustively reviewed the preparations which included extensive reviews and preparations of coordinated functioning of enforcement agencies, both Central and State. The Commission also had detailed reviews of district heads and Superintendents of Police of Karnataka. Thereafter, while announcing the schedule for Karnataka Assembly Elections, 2023, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar stressed increased vigil and zero tolerance on the distribution of inducements during the electoral process.
– global bihari bureau
