Bellary DC admits receiving complaints on poll malpractices

Justice Billappa was hearing a petition challenging the election of J Shantha, MP from Bellary constituency, by M Chandregowda, a Congress leader. Shivappa admitted before the judge that he had received oral complaints on the phone regarding distribution of money and liquor to lure voters.

On the allegation that Shantha had produced a false caste certificate, the DC said, “I had received objections that Shantha does not come under the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. After hearing both the parties, I overruled the objections,” he said.