Kannur: Five polling officials were suspended after a CPI(M) leader cast the vote of a 92-year-old woman in Kasaragod constituency. The suspended officials are the two polling officers, polling assistant micro observer, special police officer, and a videographer.
The incident occurred at the house of Parakadavil Devi at Kalliasseri in Kannur district. The home voting was initiated by the Election Commission to help elderly and the disabled to take part in the election process. It began on 18th April. The voter Devi was allowed home voting as she was above 85 years of age.
Complaint was raised against CPI(M) former branch secretary, Ganesh.
It is reported that Ganesh might be arrested by the police for destroying the secrecy of Devi’s vote, making external influence. Ganesh’s involvement amounted to casting Devi’s vote in his favor. Kannur District Collector said that this is a violation of section 171c of IPC.
The District Collector took action against the erring officials after investigations. He has also submitted a report to the Chief Election Commission and filed a complaint to the police.
The three main contestants in the Lok Sabha election at Kasaragod constituency are ML Ashwini of BJP, MV Balakrishnan from CPI(M) and Rajmoham Unnithan from Congress.
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