BJP candidate booked after officials seize ₹4.8 crore cash in Karnataka

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BJP candidate K. Sudhakar from Chikkaballapur | Photo Credit: File photo

A flying squad of election officials seized cash amounting to ₹4.8 crore from a house in Yelahanka, coming under Chikkaballapura constituency, on April 25. The officials booked a case against BJP candidate K. Sudhakar at Madanayakahalli police station.

Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer posted on X that an FIR was registered under relevant sections of the Representation of People Act and that of the Indian Penal Code for bribery and undue influence on electors.

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According to the officials, a team of officials led by Bengaluru Urban district Nodal Officer Munish Moudgil received a call about cash meant for distribution and misuse in elections. The caller shared the GPS location of the property where the cash was allegedly kept.

The Nodal Officer alerted the Income Tax Department, as per ECI directions.

The property falls under Chikkaballapura parliamentary constituency and Yelahanka Assembly Segment. Hence, DEO Chikkaballapura was informed. He was told to inform the Expenditure Observer too.

Jurisdiction-wise, Yelahanka is in Bengaluru Urban district, but falls under Bengaluru Rural Superintendent of Police.

Flying Squad and Surveillance team reaches the spot

The MCC Nodal Officer, a Flying Squad and Surveillance (FST) team, and a magistrate visited the spot.

As per ECI directions, Income Tax Department searched the premises. Cash amounting to about ₹5 crore was found. As per the details emerging from the investigation, officials are checking for violations of the Model Code of Conduct and electoral offences.