Rs 1.4 crore cash, 500 cases of liquor seized in Karnataka

BANGALORE: Authorities seized around Rs 1.4 crore cash and 500 cases of liquor as the crackdown on inducements to woo voters of the May five Assembly elections in Karnataka continued to yield rich dividends.

Since yesterday cash seizures included those from Hiriyur (Rs 60 lakh), Varthur (Rs 25 lakh), Gokak (Rs 11 lakh), Savadatti (Rs 8.38 lakh), Malur (Rs six lakh) and Tiptur and Raichur (Rs five lakh each).

FIRs have been registered in these cases, and several persons arrested in this connection.

Near the district headquarters of Gulbarga, a truck-load of 500 cases of Indian made liquor, valued at Rs 10 lakh, were confiscated. The truck came from Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka Chief Electoral Offier Anil Kumar Jha told reporters here this evening.

According to Election Commission officials, the value of seizures -- cash and articles -- since the model code of conduct came into force, being estimated to be in the tune of Rs ten crore.