Voter data theft row: Chilume Trust planned well in advance to collect voter data?

Bengaluru: Chilume Trust, the key player in the voter data theft controversy, had allegedly conspired to collect data from voters overstepping the mandate given to it.

The company was contracted to create voter awareness about voter registration and linking Aadhar with EPIC cards. However, it allegedly collected socio-demographic data from voters including caste, religion, occupation, and even voting preference, without being authorized to do so.

It is being claimed that Chilume Trust had planned to collect the voter data even before getting permission from BBMP. The company had reportedly developed its own mobile app for representatives to key in these details.

The details about the plan are evident from the details mentioned in the contract documents signed by Chilume Trust with Samanvaya Trust which was hired to supply manpower for the project.

Managing Director of Samanvaya Trust, Sumangala, said that she had complained about the irregularities to the BBMP officials about 2 months ago on September 20. However, officials did not take any action on the issue.

The permission granted to Chilume Trust was canceled in the first week of November and a case was registered after the issue came to the limelight.