K'taka: I-T officials raid premises of astrologer, seize Rs 1.7 cr

Officials of Income Tax department have seized Rs 1.7 crore cash from two premises of a city-based astrologer popular with politicians in Karnataka.

Sources in the I-T department said the tax department had conducted the raids yesterday after it received an input about the presence of Rs 40 lakh cash at the astrologer's two premises in Bangalore's RT Nagar and Ashiyana extension.

"No electoral malpractice was however found in the keeping of the cash. The cash would be released after due legal procedures are completed under the provisions of the I-T Act," a senior official said.

The astrologer was regularly visited and consulted  by politicians of the state and hence his premises were searched, the official added.

On the Election Commission's instructions, I-T officials have been keeping a watch on illegal cash and other inducements meant to lure voters during the Karnataka Assembly elections.