Bengaluru: The election officials have booked a case against BJP candidate K Sudhakar at Madanayakahalli police station, for alleged bribery and undue influence on electorate and cash amounting to Rs 4.8 crores was also seized, the Election Commission said on Friday.
A flying squad discovered the large sum of cash in a residence in Yelahanka, under the Chikkaballapura constituency, on April 25. Subsequently, a case was filed against BJP candidate K. Sudhakar.
The Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer announced on social media platform X that an FIR had been filed under relevant sections of the Representation of People Act and the Indian Penal Code, citing bribery and undue influence on voters.
Upon receiving a tip-off about potential cash misuse for election purposes, a team led by Bengaluru Urban district Nodal Officer Munish Moudgil acted swiftly. The informant provided the GPS location of the property where the cash was allegedly stashed.
The Nodal Officer promptly informed the Income Tax Department, in line with ECI directives. Although the property falls within the Chikkaballapura parliamentary constituency and Yelahanka Assembly Segment, the local authorities were alerted accordingly.
Despite Yelahanka being under Bengaluru Urban district jurisdiction, it falls under the Bengaluru Rural Superintendent of Police’s purview. Subsequently, a Flying Squad and Surveillance (FST) team, accompanied by a magistrate, were dispatched to investigate.
Following ECI protocols, the Income Tax Department conducted a thorough search of the premises. Approximately Rs 5 crores in cash were recovered. Authorities are currently examining potential violations of the Model Code of Conduct and electoral laws as part of their ongoing investigation.
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