Rs 31.5 cr unaccounted cash seized in poll-bound Karnataka
Bengaluru, May 10: A total of Rs 31.5 crore unaccounted cash and gold jewellery worth Rs 5.83 crore were seized by the Income Tax department in Karnataka since the state assembly election was announced on March 27, said an official on Thursday.
"Since the Model Code of Conduct came into force on March 27 after the Election Commission announced the May 12 assembly election, the department has seized Rs 31.5 crore unaccounted cash and Rs 5.83-crore worth jewellery," said Income Tax Joint Commissioner G. Ramesh in a statement here.
Noting that the illegal amount seized during the last six weeks was six-fold more than made in the May 2013 assembly elections, he said the seizures were likely to go up by the voting day on Saturday.
"In the present election, we were able to unearth incriminating evidence of misuse of money power from raising unaccounted funds to the distribution of cash and freebies by the contesting candidates," said Ramesh.
The department's investigation wing had shared the evidence with the Election Commission, the state's Chief Electoral Officer) and district election officers for action under the Representation of People's Act, 1951.
"The raids are carried as per rules and after ensuring that a particular search was required. The proceedings cover the entire political spectrum and are conducted impartially, respecting the privacy of the searched person in the presence of witnesses," said Ramesh.
The department has been keeping a watch on cash transactions, including bank transfers, contract payments and deals by realtors and non-banking finance companies during the monitoring period.
"Our intelligence at airports, railway stations and bus terminals has been strengthened and is functioning in coordination with other law enforcement agencies," the IT Department pointed out the statement.
Affidavits of candidates submitted with nominations are verified with their income tax returns and that of their family members.
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If somebody breaks into my house, they’re getting shot: Kamala Harris
Michigan: Kamala Harris participated in a star-studded rally hosted by Oprah Winfrey in Michigan, aiming to energise voters ahead of the crucial November 5 election. During the event, which featured appearances from Hollywood stars like Jennifer Lopez and Meryl Streep, Harris discussed key campaign issues, including abortion, the economy, and gun control.
In a light-hearted moment, she stated, “I'm a gun owner too; if somebody breaks into my house, they're getting shot,” before joking about the potential backlash from her staff. The rally was part of Harris's strategy to unify voters against the divisive politics represented by former President Donald Trump.
While Harris gained traction from a recent poll showing her leading in Pennsylvania, the race remains tight nationwide. Trump, in contrast, held a darker event where he criticised Jewish Americans for their voting patterns, suggesting that their support would be critical to his campaign.
As the election nears, both candidates are actively seeking support from key demographics, including unions and various community groups. Harris's campaign faces challenges, particularly in areas with significant Arab-American populations opposed to U.S. policies regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict.
