Kasaragod, Apr 30: Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Teeka Ram Meena has confirmed that three women had cast bogus votes in booth number 19 at Pilathara in the Kasaragod Lok Sabha constituency during the April 23 election.
On the CPI(M) argument that ‘open votes’ were being misrepresented as bogus ones, Mr. Meena said the election rules do not mention ‘open vote.’
Police cases would be registered against Padmini, Sumayya K.P. and Saleena N.P., the ‘bogus voters’ identified from live webcast feeds, under Sections 171 C, D and F of the Indian Penal Code for interference in the election process and impersonation.
Saleena, a sitting panchayat member, has been asked to step down and face the inquiry. A recommendation in this regard would be made to the State Election Commission (SEC), Mr. Meena said, disclosing the findings of a preliminary investigation based on a report filed by the Kannur Collector.
Padmini reportedly cast votes twice in the same booth while Sumayya, who had a vote in booth 24 of the same constituency, cast a vote in booth 19. Sumayya was, in fact, at the booth as a ‘relieving agent.’
Whether Sumayya and Saleena had also cast votes in their parent booths requires investigation, Mr. Meena said.
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