Mysore/Mysuru: With Lok Sabha polls round the corner and the Model Code of Conduct in force from Mar. 16, flow of cash, liquor and free gifts are making sound in the State.

In just a week after the Model Code of Conduct came into force, Rs. 9.65 crore cash and liquor worth Rs. 22.86 crore have been seized across the State.

Also, free gifts worth Rs. 15.67 lakh and other items worth Rs. 1.64 crore, narcotic substances worth Rs. 53.37 lakh, diamonds worth Rs. 9 lakh, gold worth Rs. 1.27 crore and silver articles worth Rs. 21.47 lakh have been seized and a total of 402 FIRs have been registered in the State.

A total of 65,432 firearms have been deposited by licensed gun holders with the Police out of which 831 firearms have been seized. Eight licenses have been cancelled for various reasons. Also, thousands of cases have been registered under the Excise Act and 284 vehicles have been seized.

Gutka worth Rs. 33 lakh seized

As many as 180 bags of gutka worth Rs. 33 lakh has been seized at Chigarahalli check-post in Gulbarga Lok Sabha Constituency.

The Election Commission has to initiate more stringent action to curb such illegal practices for free and fair polls.