Lok Sabha Election: Flying Squad Seize Rs 4.8 Cr Cash, Chikkaballapur BJP Candidate Booked

According to reports, flying squad officials booked BJP candidate K Sudhakar for an alleged violation of the model code of conduct.

During the raids at the residence of Govindappa, officials seized multiple bundles of Rs 500 notes. ( Image Source :Pixabay )

Ahead of the commencement of the first phase of voting for Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka, the Election Commission of India seized Rs 4.8 crore in cash from a residence in Yelanhanka, situated within Chikkaballapura Lok Sabha constituency. The flying squad officials also booked BJP candidate K Sudhakar for an alleged violation of the model code of conduct.

According to Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer, "The FST of Chikkaballapura seized cash worth 4.8 Crores. An FIR also has been lodged by the SST team of Chikkaballapura  Constituency against K Sudhakar, BJP Candidate on 25.04.2024 at Madanayakanahally Police Station."

"The FIR No.0355/2024 is booked u/s 123 of RP Act and 171(B,C,E,F) of the IPC for bribery and undue influence on electors," CEO said. 

The FST of Chikkaballapura seized cash worth 4.8 Crores. An FIR also has been lodged by the SST team of Chikkaballapura Constituency against K Sudhakar, BJP Candidate on 25.04.2024 at Madanayakanahally Police Station.

— Chief Electoral Officer, Karnataka (@ceo_karnataka) April 26, 2024

During the raids at the residence of Govindappa, officials seized multiple bundles of Rs 500 notes. Subsequently, after interrogating the homeowner, the BJP candidate was booked. Following this development, Income Tax officials also arrived at the scene, and further investigations are currently underway, according to a report in Deccan Herald.

Overall, the Election Commission has confiscated items totaling Rs 50 crore, including cash, liquor, narcotics drugs, and other gift articles. The general elections in Karnataka are being conducted in two phases, with the first phase on April 26 and the second phase on May 7, covering a total of 28 constituencies.

As voting entered its final hours, Karnataka reported a voter turnout of over 50 percent in the 14 Lok Sabha constituencies where polling is currently underway. Voting, which commenced at 7 am, is scheduled to conclude by 6 pm.