JK poll panel gets over 180 complaints of model code breach: official

The Jammu and Kashmir poll panel has received over 180 complaints of alleged violations of the model code of conduct, through the cVigil app and other modes, an official said Tuesday.

The Election Commission had launched the cVigil application last month to facilitate a person send to the poll panel geo-tagged videos and photos of various electoral malpractice.

Of the total complaints, 123 have been disposed of while the rest 59 are being looked into, State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Shalinder Kumar said, adding over 20 employees were also suspended for violating the poll code.

Out of 88 complaints received through C-Vigil and other online modes, 61 were dropped, 22 disposed of and five are under examination, he added.

The actions against electoral malpractice included registration of 6 FIRs, suspension of 24 state government employees, besides seizure of 36 illegal weapons and cash worth Rs 19.68, he said, adding a considerable quantity of liquor too has been seized.

For free and fair conduct of the Lok Sabha elections in the state, the election department has also formed 1,500 mobile and static teams, besides deploying flying squads with video cameras to ensure strict adherence of the poll code.

"We will not overlook a single complaint whether it is against a big leader or a junior one, no one will be spared," said CEO Kumar.

The CEO said citizens can register their complaints on the poll panel's app eVigil for a number of violations, including those against candidates distributing money or liquor to influence voters.

They can also alert the Election Commission if they find a candidate involved in promoting paid news, he said, adding candidates using vehicles or convoys without permission are also breach the poll code.

Transporting voters on the day of polling or campaigning within 200 metres of the polling booth are strictly prohibited under the guidelines, Kumar said.