ECI directs FIR against Eshwarappa, Gadilingappa

The leaders allegedly conducted byelection campaign at Anjaneya temple near Sanganakallu village in Bellary Rural Assembly constituency on October 19. The chief electoral officer had submitted a report to the ECI on the issue. The FIR will be filed under the Religious Institutions Misuse Act, 1988, Special Officer (Elections), R Manoj said. Section 7 of the Act prescribes jail term up to five years if the charge of misusing religious places is proved.

The chief electoral officer has also been asked to serve a show-cause notice on all the three for violating the model code of conduct.

Manoj said the notices will be have to be replied to by 6 pm on Thursday. Using places of worship for election campaign amounts to violation of model code of conduct.