Model Code violation: FIR filed against AIADMK candidate

An FIR has been filed against AIADMK candidate in Ramanathapuram Lok Sabha constituency, Anwar Raja and some other persons after a probe by election officials found that money was distributed in the area.
"Based on the complaint of Model Code of Conduct violation in Ramanathapuram, a probe was initiated and the DEO has found that money has been distributed. An FIR has been filed against the AIADMK candidate and few others," Chief Electoral Officer Praveen Kumar told reporters here.
Replying to a query, he said while two such cases of MCC violation were received, one did not attract action, as the incident at Cuddalore happened on March 3 and hence was not within the MCC timeline, while the other at Ramanathapuram was being probed.

So far, 778 cases have been lodged across Tamil Nadu on charges of MCC violation, against 1.07 lakh complaints, he said.
As on March 31, a sum of Rs 14.59 crore and goods to the tune of Rs 6.76 crore without proper documents have been seized by Election Commission officials during random vehicle checks across the state, Kumar said, adding, the seizure also included few hundred bottles of liquor.
Answering a query, the CEO said private institutions such as IT companies needed to let their employees vote under the Negotiable Instruments Act and he would talk to the IT Secretary in this regard.

He also clarified that electioneering should not be done inside places of worship and even while campaigning outside such places, entry should not be blocked.