Poll code violation: FIR against Manju

Election officials on Thursday lodged a complaint against district in-charge Minister A Manju for misusing the district incharge minister's office and thereby violating the poll code of conduct.

It is said that three women employees were involved in election work in the office on March 31, with the door locked from outside. A section of the media had highlighted it. Election officials, who visited the place on a tip-off, put another lock to the door and submitted a complaint to the deputy commissioner, also the district election officer.

A notice was issued to Manju, seeking explanation. Replying to the notice, Manju had said that he was working as a Cabinet member without bringing disrepute to his post and was not involved in any
violation of the code of conduct.

Claiming that his reply was not convincing, deputy commissioner Rohini Sindhuri directed Hassan taluk election officer Rajesh to lodge a complaint on Wednesday night. A case was registered under Section 188 of the IPC for disobedience to order duly promulgated by a public servant.

Manju told DH that he had not violated the poll code of conduct and the FIR was filed out of malice. It shows the personal hatred of the deputy commissioner towards him, he said.

'Money distribution'

Meanwhile, MLA H D Revanna, in a press meet, said that non-vegetarian feasts were being organised and money was being distributed to voters, violating the poll code. The election officers are mute spectators, he said.

He said Baguru Manjegowda, being a government official, had been organising the feasts to woo the voters, but no action had been taken against him. The Excise department officials had connived with the Congress party. Election Commission should take suitable action, he added.