Four held for distributing free SIM cards

The Adugodi police have arrested four persons for campaigning on behalf of a candidate by allegedly distributing free SIM cards on Wednesday.

Police also seized 4,000 pamphlets printed for canvassing in the Adugodi police station limits.

Chief Electoral Officer Anil Kumar Jha told presspersons that a probe has been ordered and a case has been booked against the four.

Complaints against officials

The CEO said many complaints have been received against Returning Officers for their alleged partisan attitude in the constituencies. Complaints have been received against officials of Transport, Revenue and Health departments and Deputy Commissioners, Superintendent of Police. Poll observers have been asked to investigate each complaint, he said. “We will transfer or take action against officials who are found supporting a candidate,” Mr. Jha said.

Children involved

The CEO warned candidates against using children for poll campaigning. The commission would take action against candidates if they were found using children for distribution of pamphlets and other election material, he said.

Suo motu action

Though he is yet to receive a complaint, the CEO said: “We will take suo motu action against candidates hiring children, based on television news and video recording.”