Rs 1.3 crore cash seized after raids at polling areas

The state law enforcement agencies have so far seized cash of Rs 1.31 crore from different polling areas as part of their effort to curb illegal financing of the poll campaign activities.

The state police captured an amount of Rs 53.7 lakh, the flying squad working under Election Commission seized Rs 22.37 lakh and state vigilance wing recovered Rs 40.56 lakh during raids conducted at more than 400 places, said Mona Sharma, Chief Electoral Officer, Odisha.

Besides, the excise department has seized liquor worth Rs 48.65 lakh, she informed.

The Commission has so far arrested about 1400 persons in connection with violation of model code of conduct and has received more than 500 petitions regarding such violation.
 
During election expense monitoring process, the police has also seized 24 four wheeler and two 2-wheeler vehicles.The Election Commission of India has been informed to order re-polling at 22 booths in several constituency, where first phase polls were conducted on April 10, as the voting process could not completed there. Polling in these booths will be held along with second phase polls on April 17, she said.