Daijiworld Media Network - Kaup (UM)

Kaup, Apr 2: Election officials on Tuesday April 2 raided a garment store at Udyavar here on suspicions that the store was selling saris carrying images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The election flying squad raided Jayalaxmi Silks after a bill showing 'Modi sari' was reportedly found issued by the store. 

Sources said that when the election squad raided the store, the owner refused to cooperate, after which the police were called in and the raid resumed in their presence.

It is learnt that the officers seized two 'Modi saris' as well as saris with images of recent surgical strike on Balakot from the store.

Sources said that the election officials and police came in three vehicles and the raid lasted from 5 pm to around 9.30 pm.

The store had reportedly been selling the Modi and Balakot saris for the past one month, and had been previously warned against doing so. The store however continued to sell them. A complaint was then filed, based on which the election officials raided on Tuesday.

A case has been registered in Kaup police station against store owner Virendra, who is said to have fled.

With Lok Sabha elections round the corner, election officials are keeping a strict watch on everything from shops to Yakshagana performances. The seven phase elections will begin from April 11 and in Karnataka polling will be held on April 18 and 23. The votes will be counted on May 23.