Children used in election campaign: MLA Raghupati Bhat booked

Udupi: Use of minors to campaign for the Lok Sabha polls has resulted in a case being registered against Udupi MLA Raghupati Bhat and others for violating the model code of conduct.

Apparently, the MLA has taken out a padayatra from Kodibengre to Gujjarbettu in support for BJP Udupi-Chikkamagaluru candidate Shobha Karandlaje on April 15 evening without prior permission from the election officials.

The padyatra was set out on foot with children post a meet at Kodibengre by the MLA.

The MLA’s action is in direct violation to the model code of conduct and a case has been registered at Malpe police station. the case has been booked for  illegal gathering when poll code was in effect and also for using underage children under the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act 1986.

Election flying squad official Mohanraj had filed a complaint in this regard post which the case was registered.