Over Rs 19 crore cash seized in Bihar

New Delhi: The election machinery in poll-bound Bihar has so far seized over Rs 19 crore in cash, part of a larger amount allegedly aimed at influencing voters.

As of yesterday, the authorities in the state had recovered Rs 19.20 crore in cash, besides Rs 68.28 lakh Nepali currency and over Rs 60 lakh worth foreign currency, the Election Commission said here today.

Candidates in Bihar have been asked to open a separate bank account and incur their poll-related expenses from it, to ensure greater transparency and ease of monitoring of election expenses.

The investigation directorate of the Income Tax department has set up air intelligence units at airports of the state and is also gathering intelligence and taking necessary action against movement of large sums of money in the state.

The Bihar Assembly polls are being held in five phases. While the first two phases have been completed, the third phase will be held tomorrow. The penultimate phase is on November 1 and last one on November 5.

Counting of votes will take place on November 8.