Rs 1 crore in cash, over 400 gold bangles seized in Karnataka

BANGALORE: Authorities today seized Rs one crore in cash in the border district of Belgaum and more than 400 gold bangles totally weighing 4.5 kg at another place meant for "use" for May five Assembly polls, in violation of model code of conduct.

The cash was seized in Bailahongala bordering Maharashtra, Karntataka Chief Electoral Officer Anil Kumar Jha told reporters here but did not give further details about it.

Other cash seizures since yesterday included from Belgaum (Rs seven lakh), Chitradurga (Rs 3.4 lakh), Athani (Rs 20 lakh), Bagalkot (Rs 21 lakh) and T Narsipura (Rs five lakh).

At Thalagattapura on Bangalore-Kanakapura road, 406 gold bangles weighing 4.5 kg were seized. "It can be suspected for distribution (to entice voters), and an investigation is on".

Jha acknowledged the role of para-military forces in the search and seizures operations, saying they are doing "a great job".

Thirty companies of para-military forces have already arrived in the State and deployed in districts, and more would come later.