3 UDF workers cast bogus votes in Kasargod: Kerala CEO

: Kerala Chief Electoral Officer Teeka Ram Meena Friday said three Congress led UDF workers had cast bogus votes as alleged by the ruling CPI(M)-headed Left Democratic Front in Kasaragod constituency in the April 23 Lok Sabha polls.

After perusing reports filed by District Collectors of Kannur and Kasargod districts,the CEO said strong action would be taken against those who engaged in bogus voting.

The LDF had released 'digital evidence' of the bogus voting by two men, suspected to be IUML workers, in a polling booth in Kasaragod.

"The polling officers have said that they had no knowledge about the electoral malpractices...Three persons have done bogus voting, as per the reports submitted by the returning officers," Meena told reporters here.

He said three men--Mohammed Fayiz, Abdul Samad and Mohammed K M were seen coming to the polling booth and casting votes more than once.

"Prima facie, this is a clear case of bogus voting. We will direct the returning officers to charge case against those who have done bogus voting.

Strong action will be taken against those officers if found guilty, for failing to stop the malpractice,"Meena said.

He also pointed out that as per the reports, one of the persons had told the Returning Officer that a UDF polling agent had forced him to cast more votes.

Earlier, the CEO charged on April 29 that three women, including a panchayat member, had cast bogus votes in Kasargod constituency.

Rejecting the charge, CPI(M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan had criticised the CEO and alleged that Meena was acting in accordance with UDF's ploy.