Rs 4.55 cr cash, suspected freebies worth Rs 9.96 cr seized in

Unaccounted cash to the tune of Rs 4.55 crore and suspected freebies such as dustbin, lunch box, mixer and grinders, totally worth about Rs 9.96 crore, have been seized so far in poll-bound Karnataka since the model code of conduct came into force on March 27.

A release from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer said in the last one day alone government agencies involved in checking election related violations seized Rs 75.18 lakh in cash and Rs 8 crore worth freebies suspected to be given to the voters.

The assembly elections in the state are slated to be held on May 12.

"Ever since the model code of conduct came into effect, the total cash seized so far is Rs 4.55 crore. Items suspected to be distributed among the voters worth Rs 9.96 crore have been seized so far," the release said.

Cumulatively, flying squads, Static Surveillance Teams (SST) and other police authorities seized cash to the tune of Rs.4.55 crore. Cumulatively, flying squads and SST have registered FIRs in 218 cases, it said.

The release said as many as 1,156 flying squads, 1,255 SSTs have been activated to enforce the Model Code of Conduct, which came into effect with the announcement of the poll schedule on March 27.

These teams have removed, 12,537 wall writings, 17,693 posters, 7,711 banners from public properties and have lodged six cases under the Karnataka Open Places (Provisions of disfigurement) Act, 1981.