Kasaragod: Camera captures two women casting 'bogus votes'

Thiruvananthapuram: The CCTV cameras installed at a polling booth here have captured footage of two woman purportedly casting ‘bogus’ votes during the third phase of Lok Sabha elections on April 23. However, CPI (M) denied their cadres did any wrong and said they were prepared to face any probe, on Saturday evening.

On Saturday, television channels in Kerala aired visuals of two women casting their votes twice at two polling booths in Kasaragod Lok Sabha constituency. Kannur CPI (M) district secretary M V Jayarajan spoke to media on the issue and said, “The reports about these women and a man, shown on TV channels under the misguided information that they were doing something wrong, are baseless and against the facts. The poll officials in the respective booths are aware of what happened. These canards are being spread by Congress leaders. We are ready to face any probe in the matter,” he said.

Soon after the report was released in the morning, Congress candidate from Kasaragod Rajmohan Unnithan said that casting bogus votes has been the order of the day, especially in CPI (M) dominated areas and its not something new.

“We have been saying this for a while now, but nothing has happened. Action should be taken against such acts,” he added.

Speaking on the issue, former MP and Congress candidate from Kannur K Sudhakaran said, “Bogus voting is a common practice in Kannur and Kasaragod, which is done mainly by the CPI (M). On Tuesday, we had informed the District Collector about widespread bogus polling. He told us he was looking into the matter. But like always, no action was taken. We are collecting more information and will take legal recourse,” he informed.

Addressing the media, Chief Electoral Officer of the state Tikka Ram Meena said that follow-up actions have been initiated. “The whole purpose of having webcasting on polling day is meant to tackle this (bogus voting). As soon as we receive an official complaint, we wiil do what needs to be done,” he assured.

Addressing the issue, leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala said: “We will take appropriate legal steps. The officials who were party to such rigging should also be taken to task. We had cautioned the election officials before the polling day, but the authorities didn’t act.”