Kerala polls: Election commission probes cash-for-vote allegations against BJP candidate

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief electoral officer said that they would examine whether there was any violation of Representation of the People Act or Model Code of Conduct in the cash-for-vote controversy in Palakkad.

A flying squad investigated allegations that money was distributed to voters as part of assembly elections, chief electoral officer Rathan U Kelkar said.

The complaint alleged that cash was distributed on Wednesday in Theruvakkurissi area of Kannadi panchayat in Palakkad to influence voters. Acting on media reports, the district election authorities deployed a flying squad to the location to verify the claims, he said.

The squad recorded the statement of a local resident, Devu, 65, who was cited in media reports as having received money from BJP workers. However, she denied receiving any money. Despite the key witness refuting the allegation, district collector, who is also the district election officer, stated that a more detailed probe is necessary considering the seriousness of the complaint.

A copy of the report was shared with election observers and police. Further action would be taken after a detailed review of the findings, officials said.