Rs 375.6 crore meant for bribing voters seized in Karnataka

The Election Commission’s drive to ensure an “inducement-free” poll in Karnataka has led to seizures to the tune of Rs. 375.61 crore after the Model Code of Conduct came into effect for the polls, which is nearly 4.5 times the seizures made in the state’s last assembly elections held in 2018, according to official information released today.

In addition, seizures to the tune of Rs. 83.78 crores were also made by various enforcement agencies from the date of visit of the Commission in the second week of March, 2023 till the date of announcement of elections.

Besides, the Enforcement Directorate has attached assets valued at Rs 288 crores after the imposition of the model code of conduct, the official statement disclosed.

Notable hauls include seizure of Rs 4.04 crores of cash in Bangarapet assembly constituency in Kolar District, raid of lab illegally manufacturing Alprozolam in Hyderabad by intelligence gathered and trail mapping done by NCB; 100 kg ganja seized in Bidar district; significant liquor seizures have been made by all the districts.

Another striking feature of expenditure monitoring has been huge seizures of freebies. Sarees and food kits have been seized from Kalburgi, Chimanglur and other districts. Huge number of pressure cookers and kitchen appliances were also seized from Bailhongal and Kunigal and other assembly constituencies, the Election Commission statement said.

Seizures and attachments have been by all stakeholder agencies including State Police, Income Tax, Commercial Tax, ED, RPF, GRP, CISF, NCB, CISF and DRI. Not only are the agencies involved in enforcement activities but a few are also making outreach efforts for creating awareness amongst citizens for inducement-free and ethical elections, the statement added.