Rs 20.14 cr unaccounted cash seized in poll run up in Karnataka
Bengaluru: Unaccounted cash to the tune of Rs 20.14 crore and alcohol worth over Rs 26 crore has been seized in Karnataka since the model code of conduct came into effect on March 16, the Election Commission said on Thursday.
Total seizures, which include various freebies, amount to Rs 60.38 crore, they said
The general elections in Karnataka will be held in two phases on April 26 and May seven for its 28 constituencies.
According to a statement issued by the office of Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer, since the Model Code of Conduct came into force, the flying squads, static surveillance teams and police authorities have seized Rs 20.14 crore cash, Rs 65.43 lakh freebies, 8.44 lakh litres of liquor worth over Rs 26.35 crore, 181.80 kg narcotic substances worth over Rs 1.33 crore, 14 kg gold worth over Rs 9 crore, 55.75 kg silver worth over Rs 26 lakh and 21.17 carat diamonds worth Rs 9 lakh among others.
They have also registered 909 cases with regard to seizure of cash, liquor, drugs, precious metal and freebies while 94,417 arms have been deposited, 882 arms were impounded, 15 arms licences have been cancelled, 7,819 cases were booked under preventive sections of CrPC, out of which 8,406 persons were bounded over.
The Excise Department has booked 922 heinous cases, 797 cases for breach of licence conditions, 49 NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act) and 3,342 cases under Section 15 (a) of Karnataka Excise Act 1965 and also 535 different types of vehicles have been seized.
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Punishment for those disrupting assembly proceedings, warns Speaker UT Khader
Belagavi: Speaker U.T. Khader on Friday warned that members who disrupt Assembly proceedings by talking in their seats during debates will be made to sit in the House for an entire day as a disciplinary measure.
The warning came after the Question Hour, when Deputy Leader of the Opposition Arvind Bellad was permitted to initiate a discussion on the development of North Karnataka.
At this point, expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal objected, stating that he had been seeking a debate for the past three days but had not been given an opportunity.
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Responding to the objection, Speaker Khader said Bellad had already been granted permission and assured Yatnal that he would be allowed to speak at the next opportunity. He noted that even as a serious discussion was underway, several MLAs were speaking among themselves with their microphones on, disrupting the proceedings.
Expressing displeasure over the conduct of members, Khader likened the situation to football, where players receive red, yellow, or white cards for violations. Similarly, he said, the Assembly issues warning cards to members who disturb the House. If they fail to correct themselves despite repeated warnings, they would be required to remain seated in the Assembly hall for a full day as punishment, he stated.
