‘Money-for-ticket’ allegations: K C Venugopal files defamation case against Haryana native

Thiruvananthapuram: AICC general secretary K C Venugopal filed a defamation case before judicial first class magistrate court in Alappuzha against a Haryana native, alleging that baseless accusations were raised with political motives ahead of the upcoming elections.In his complaint, Venugopal stated that the allegations were "completely false and fabricated" and were made with the intention of damaging his reputation and public image in the run-up to 2026 Kerala assembly elections.The complaint points out that the allegations relate to 2024 Haryana assembly elections but surfaced only in 2026. Venugopal alleged that the timing clearly indicated a political agenda behind the accusations.According to the complaint, Haryana-based Gaurav Kumar addressed a news conference on the issue, following which the matter received media coverage. A formal complaint was also submitted to state police chief on Feb 23 this year. Venugopal alleged that false information was disseminated through various media outlets, including a news channel, and through social media platforms.He said that the campaign was systematically planned and executed with a clear objective. The complaint also noted that the allegations surfaced at a time when Kerala assembly elections are reaching a crucial phase, suggesting a conspiracy aimed at preventing United Democratic Front (UDF) from coming to power.Venugopal expressed suspicion that the complainant's intent was to tarnish his reputation, built over years of public service through sustained effort and commitment.The case was filed under the provisions of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita after the accused allegedly failed to respond to a legal notice or withdraw the allegations.The development comes after Delhi police recently registered an FIR in connection with an alleged "money-for-ticket" case involving persons linked to Congress.According to Delhi police, the case stems from a complaint by a Haryana-based man who alleged that he was asked to pay large sums of money to secure an election ticket for his wife. The complainant claimed that payments were made through multiple bank accounts and in cash over a period of time.Police had said an investigation was under way to verify the claims and examine the financial trail, including bank transactions and cash exchanges.(With agency inputs)