Liquor worth Rs 64.39 lakh seized in Udupi

A total of 14 cases have been registered in connection with the violation of election code of conduct in Udupi district.

Of the total Rs 24.59 lakh cash (unaccounted) had been seized by poll officials. However, Rs 23.50 lakh has been released on submission of documents.

As much as 15,845 litres of liquor, worth Rs 64.39 lakh, was seized by excise officials. That apart, three trucks, three two-wheelers and 30 tonnes of rice, all worth Rs 1.99 cr, have also been seized.

Further, police personnel have seized 11.7 litres of liquor worth Rs 6,107.

Apart from illicit liquor and cash, officials had received 153 other code of conduct violation complaints.

Of this, 146 complaints have been disposed off.

Under Suvidha single window system, political parties and candidates had submitted 168 applications and permission had been granted for 145 applications.

Permission for 17 applications have been rejected while six applications are pending for approval.

Under cVigil applications, 39 of the 168 complaints were found to be fake.

As many as 118 complaints have been attended within 100 minutes.

Udupi district has 8,145 persons with disabilities (PWD) voters.

The polling booths will be provided with wheelchair, magnifying glasses and other facilities.

In addition, ramp facilities have been provided at the polling booths. The vehicles will be arranged to transport persons with disabilities to the polling booth to cast their votes.

Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Sindhu B Roopesh warned initiating action against Panchayat development officers (PDOs) if polling booths lacked basic facilities.

The issue of ferrying voters in vehicles engaged by political parties will be tackled seriously, the CEO said.