FIR against DMK’s Vellore candidate

I-T sleuths had on March 30 conducted searches at the premises owned by Duraimurugan in this district over suspected use of unaccounted money for electioneering and seized Rs 10.50 lakh of alleged “excess” cash. While a sum of Rs 19 lakh was found during the raid, Rs 10.50 lakh was seized as “excess” after allowing the cash declared in the election affidavit of Anand, they said.

The FIR was filed under the Representation of People Act for giving “wrong information” in his poll affidavit filed along with his nomination papers, police said without divulging details. FIR has also been filed against two others, identified as Srinivasan and Damodaran, on “bribery” charges under the Indian Penal Code.

Meanwhile, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Satyabrata Sahoo told reporters in Chennai that following the filing of the FIR, a report will be filed with the EC. “An FIR has been lodged. The Income Tax department has given some information too. We will share a report with the EC (on the matter) and it will take further action,” he said in response to reporters’ queries on the next course of action, including possible countermanding of the polls here.

K Kathirkamu, former Periyakulam MLA, representing the AMMK in the ensuing bypolls, moved the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court on Wednesday seeking anticipatory bail against the rape case filed against him. The petitioner’s counsel said since Kathirkamu was a contestant in the upcoming bypolls and would be actively engaged in campaigning,his arrest would hinder his prospects. Justice Dhandapani said no action would be taken against the petitioner until Friday and adjourned the case.