Chandigarh, Oct 19 : Making huge withdrawals from a bank, almost running into Rs. 34 lakh, has earned an Independent candidate in Haryana a notice from the Election Commission (EC).

Independent candidate Jogi Ram Sihag, awaiting the result of the Oct 13 polling for the Haryana assembly, has been issued a show cause notice to explain the purpose of drawing Rs. 3,379,774 from his bank account.

The withdrawal was made from his account with the Union Bank of India, Hisar, between Sep 26 and Oct 10.

This was the peak time for campaigning for the Oct 13 poll. Sihag was contesting from the Barwala assembly constituency in Hisar district.

Hisar's district revenue officer Suresh Kumar said Monday that a complaint was received against the Independent candidate that he had utilised this amount during elections and has violated the directions of the Election Commission of India.

Even earlier, a notice was issued to Sihag regarding his poll expenses.

Kumar said that if Sihag did not reply to the notice, it would be presumed that he had utilised the amount for election purposes.

Sihag has been served the notice for violation of the model code of conduct of the EC.

Counting of votes for the 90 assembly seats in Haryana will take place Thursday (Oct 22). (IANS)