In its drive to curb misuse of money power in poll-bound Bihar, the election machinery has so far seized over Rs 12 crore in cash, an amount which is more than double the amount confiscated in the state during Lok Sabha polls last year.



EC sources said here that till yesterday evening, Rs 12.17 crore cash was seized. Besides, the authorities also seized Rs 60.30 lakh of foreign currency, Rs 58.12 lakh of Nepalese Rupee and Rs 13.22 lakh worth of fake Indian currency notes.



During the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the authorities had seized Rs 6 crore cash from Bihar, which was believed to be meant to influence voters.



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 been asked to open air intelligence units at airports of these states and also to gather intelligence and take necessary action against movement of large sum of money in the state.



Bihar Assembly polls will be held in five phases on October 12, 16, 28, November 1 and 5. Counting of votes will take place on November 8.