Karnataka bypolls: EC seizes Rs 42 lakh seizes in 24 hours

Election Commission officials seized Rs 42 lakh in cash in the last 24 hours, with the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in force in bypoll-bound Karnataka.

"Our flying squads and surveillance teams with the help of local police have seized Rs 42 lakh in cash in the last 24 hours," an official said.

Cumulatively, the surveillance teams have so far seized cash worth Rs 4.7 crore, sarees and blouses worth Rs 31 lakh and other accessories worth Rs 27,000.

The EC has deployed 323 flying squads and 578 static surveillance teams to enforce the poll code in all the 15 Assembly segments, including five in Bengaluru, seven in the state's northwest region and two in the old Mysore region.

Also, 2.25 lakh litres of liquor, valued at Rs 4.7 crore has been seized by authorities enforcing the model code of conduct while 16,458 arms were deposited since the start of MCC and 4,294 non-bailable warrants have been executed.

The EC received 7,585 calls through the voter helplines, seeking information, giving feedback, and suggestions.

The bye-elections will be held in Athani, Kagwad, Gokak, Yellapura, Hirekerur, Ranibennur, Vijayanagara, Chickballapura, K.R. Pura, Yeshwanthpura, Mahalakshmi Layout, Shivajinagara, Hosakote, K.R. Pete and Hunsur Assembly segments.

Bypolls in Muski (Raichur district) and R.R. Nagar (Bengaluru southwest) have been withheld due to litigation in the Karnataka High Court over their results in the May 2018 Assembly elections.

The counting of votes will take place on December 9.

( With inputs from IANS )