53 to contest from six segments in Hassan district

After rejections and withdrawal of nominations, 53 candidates have remained in the fray in six Assembly segments for the elections scheduled for May 12, in Hassan district.

Out of 72 nominations, approved by the returning officers, 19 people withdrew their nomination papers on Friday.

In all, 86 candidates had filed 129 nominations. Out of this, the candidature of 14 persons was rejected after their papers were found not in order during the scrutiny held on Wednesday. After 19 withdrawal, finally 53 candidates have remained in the poll fray.

According to Deputy Commissioner Dr P C Jaffer, who is also the Election Officer, no candidate has withdrawn the papers from Shravanabelagola. In Arsikere - 6; Holenarasipur - 3; Sakleshpur - 5; Belur - 2 and Arkalgud - 1 withdrawal have been reported.

The number of candidates in the fray are: Shravanabelagola - 5; Arsikere- 6; Belur- 7, Hassan - 13, Holenaraspur - 8, Arkalgud - 7 and Sakleshpur - 7.

Poll code violations

The DC informed that FIR has been filed in 32 cases of violation of the model code of conduct. Out of 41 complaints lodged against the officials and staff, two cases are in the stages of enquiry, Dr Jaffer said.

The DC explained that as per the advise of the Election Commission, additional polling booths have been set up if there are more than 1,300 voters in the rural areas, and 1,400 voters in urban areas. There are 1,978 polling booths in the district, including 12 additional booths, he said.

Speaking about the polling booths on the fringes of the forest, frequented by elephants, Dr Jaffer said, high alert will be maintained at 12 polling booths in the Naxal and elephant infested area.

The Excise department has conducted 596 raids and has registered 174 cases under illegal liquor sales, transportation and other cases and has arrested 101 suspects. Vehicles and liquor worth Rs 3.34 crore has been seized, he informed.

Police Commissioner Rahul Kumar Shahpurawad said, Rs 79 lakh cash seized from a Tata Sumo vehicle has been returned after the SBI manager provided necessary documents. However, if the amount seized exceeds Rs one crore, it would be brought to the notice of the Income Tax department. Around 35 check-posts have been set up and 54 flying squad have been constituted, he added.

Additional DC B R Poornima was present.