Karnataka: On Friday, the Election Commission disclosed that within the preceding 24 hours, a substantial sum of Rs. 2.75 crore in cash had been intercepted, adding to the cumulative haul of Rs. 9.64 crore seized across Karnataka since the implementation of the model code of conduct on March 16. This surge in seizures precedes the general elections in Karnataka, which are slated to unfold across two phases on April 26 and May 7, encompassing a total of 28 constituencies.
According to electoral authorities, an array of enforcement units, including flying squads, static surveillance teams, and law enforcement agencies, have collectively apprehended significant quantities of illicit assets. Alongside the staggering cash seizures totaling Rs. 9.64 crore, enforcement teams have intercepted freebies valued at Rs. 15.6 lakh, a colossal cache of liquor amounting to 7.20 lakh liters with an estimated worth exceeding Rs. 22.85 crore, 52.12 kg of narcotics valued at over Rs. 53 lakh, and precious metals valued at an astonishing Rs. 36 crore.
This robust crackdown has been accompanied by a flurry of legal actions, with 402 First Information Reports (FIRs) filed in connection with the confiscation of cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals, and freebies. Furthermore, a substantial number of arms, totaling 65,432, have been voluntarily deposited, while 831 arms have been forcibly impounded, and eight arms licenses have been rescinded.
In addition to these measures, 3,853 cases have been registered under the preventive sections of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), resulting in the binding over of 4,136 individuals. The Excise Department has been equally proactive, initiating 471 severe cases and 359 cases for breaches of licensing conditions, in addition to 24 cases related to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and 1,477 cases under Section 15 (a) of the Karnataka Excise Act 1965.
Furthermore, law enforcement authorities have seized 284 vehicles implicated in illicit activities. In a detailed report from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer of Karnataka, it was highlighted that the Static Surveillance Team made significant seizures, including Rs. 38 lakh in cash at the Nayakanahahatti Cross Checkpost in the Chitradurga parliamentary constituency, and Rs. 12.68 lakh at the Hirolli Checkpost in the Gulbarga parliamentary constituency.
Moreover, enforcement units intercepted 180 bags containing pan masala, valued at Rs. 33 lakh, at the Chigaralli Checkpost in the Gulbarga parliamentary constituency. Additionally, at the Magadi Checkpost in the Udupi Chikmagalur parliamentary constituency, 243.56 grams of gold jewelry, with a valuation of Rs. 13.20 lakh, was seized. Law enforcement efforts extended to the Dharwad parliamentary constituency, where gold ornaments exceeding Rs. 38 lakh in value were confiscated, and in the Bengaluru Urban district, where the Income Tax department intercepted over Rs. 28 lakh in cash, among other notable seizures.
