Pre-poll seizures in Karnataka increase by 4.5 fold than 2018 polls: EC

Bengaluru: The Election Commission of India on Tuesday said the recorded seizures in Karnataka mark a significant 4.5 times increase as compared to the 2018 assembly election.

"Until May 8, Karnataka witnessed seizures of Rs 375.61 crore during enforcement of Model Code of Conduct period which is nearly 4.5 times the seizures made in Assembly Elections, 2018," EC said.

Additionally, from the date of visit of the EC in the second week of March till date of announcement of elections, seizures of Rs 83.78 crores were also made by various enforcement agencies. The Enforcement Directorate has also attached assets amounting to Rs 288 crore after the imposition of MCC, it said.

Strict vigil, extensive monitoring, coordination with neighboring states and inter-agency coordination has led to checking flow and distribution of inducements in Karnataka this time, EC said.

Notable hauls include seizure of Rs 4.04 crore of cash in Bangarapet AC in Kolar District, raid of lab illegally manufacturing Alprazolam 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, it said.

Another striking feature of expenditure monitoring has been huge seizures of freebies, EC said, adding: "Sarees and food kits have been seized from Kalburgi, Chikmagalur and other districts. Huge number of pressure cookers and kitchen appliances were also seized from Bailhongal and Kunigal and other ACs."

The extensive monitoring process started months back before the announcement of elections, EC said.

The Commission also reviewed law and order situation and inter-state vigil through border checkposts of poll-going Karnataka and neighboring states of Maharashtra, Goa, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Tamil Nadu on May 1.

Review was attended by Chief Secretaries, DGPs, Excise Commissioners and regional Heads of prominent enforcement agencies of all these bordering states.

On the occasion, CEC Rajiv Kumar stressed on proper manning and monitoring of specifically the 185 checkposts in border districts, EC said.

Seizure of cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals and freebies from such border check-posts have subsequently been reported to be more than Rs 70 crores, he said. (UNI)