Mysuru: The City Police Commissionerate yesterday conducted a surprise raid at Mysuru Central Jail ahead of the forthcoming LS elections.

A team of Police Commission-erate conducted the raid from 1 pm to 2.30 pm. Over 175 officers and staff from Police Stations were in the 17 raiding teams formed under the leadership of DCP (L&O) M. Muthuraj. The raid was conducted following the directive of City Police Commissioner K.T. Balakrishna.

The Police team raided the prison to seize unauthorised items available with the jail inmates like mobile phones through which the prisoners can influence the voters by asking or threatening people to vote for a particular candidate. Searches were also conducted for weapons, drugs and cash.

Cash of Rs.1,900 was seized from the inmates and a probe will be launched to find the source of the money. The raid was conducted as per the guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India after the Poll Code of Conduct came into force.

Police teams visited every ward and other places in the jail premises. However, they did not find any illegal and unauthorised items from the jail. All security measures are in place and public can exercise their franchise in a fearless manner, the Commissioner said.