NPP candidate's son showcaused for poll code violation

The Meghalaya election department has issued a showcause notice to the son of ruling National People's Party (NPP) candidate in Ranikore by-poll Martin M Danggo for allegedly violating the model code of conduct, officials said.

Danggo was also former MLA of Ranikore where election was held during the day along with South Tura seat from where Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma contested.

The notice was served to his son following a verbal complaint lodged by the leaders of the United Democratic Party (UDP) on the basis of a video circulating on social media purportedly showing him searching a house unauthorisedly at Photkroh village in South West Khasi Hills district.

Stating that Danggo's son is an employee of the excise department in East Khasi Hills district, UDP leaders claimed that the house belonged to supporters of their party.

They alleged that the son of the ex-MLA had also taken along with him the personal security officer (PSO) of his father while conducting the search intimidating the occupants of the house.

To a query during a press conference here today, on Thursday, state Chief Electoral Officer Frederick Roy Kharkongor said no written complaint was received on the matter.

"However, based on the verbal complaint, the district election officer has issued a show cause notice to the person concerned and police are also investigating the case," Kharkongor said.

When contacted, District Deputy Commissioner I Laloo said it appears that this unauthorised entry or intimidation amounts to violation of the Model Code of Conduct and hence he was showcaused.