Kalliashery polling booth fake voting confirmed: CEO

Kasaragod: Post an enquiry, the occurrence of fake voting at Kallaishery polling booth at Kasaragod Lok Sabha constituency on April 23^rd has been confirmed, informed Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Teeka Ram Meena.

Enquires conducted in this connection in ward 69 and 70 of Kallaishery polling booth, it was found that 3 persons were guilty of casting fake votes. The fake voters are identified as Mohammed Faiz, Abdul Samad and Mohammed KM, he informed.

The enquiry has revealed that Abdul Samad had cast two fake votes, while Mohammed Fiaz and Mohammed KM had cast 3 votes each, informed the CEO.

Meanwhile, enquires are still underway to ascertain if Ashik M had cast fake vote. Ashish was found loitering around many polling stations leading to the suspicion.

Although Mr Samad was issued a warrant to report for the enquiry he failed to turn up. Another warrant will be served soon, informed Meena.

“Even though the CD and other electoral officials confirmed the fake voting, the polling officers and other polling staffs stated that they had not come across any such malpractice. Cases will be registered against those who had cast fake votes,” said the CEO adding that polling officials found guilty of malpractice will face action.

Complaints regarding fake voting have come from other polling booths in the state and they are being probed. The DC has been instructed to conduct and enquiry into the issue and submit the report within a week, informed the CEO.