Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Electoral Officer Teeka Ram Meena on Wednesday approved the report submitted by DGP Loknath Behara in connection with the malpractices in postal ballot of police personnel.
He directed the DGP to conduct a detailed investigation into the allegations and submit a comprehensive report by May 15. While approving the report, the CEO called for probe into the extent to which the police association had intervened in the matter and other related issues.
An official release by CEO stated that it had been prima facie found that the police association was involved in the malpractice. He has sought more details on the matter.
The CEO also called for detailed investigation into the complaints submitted by opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala. Whether there was a lapse on the part of district nodal officers in following the directions issued by DGP for distribution of postal ballots, will also be looked into in detail.
The CEO has directed the police to register cases against Vaishakh who is posted at the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple, for making certain remarks against postal ballots.
The cases would be registered under Representation of Peoples Act 136 D, F, G and action would also be initiated as per the Kerala Government Servants conduct rules . A detailed probe will be carried out against Arun Mohan, Ratheesh, Rajesh Kumar and Manikuttan in connection with the mailing of postal ballots.
The DGP on Tuesday had recommended action against those responsible for the malpractices detected in the postal ballot of police personnel. He forwarded the report received from Intelligence ADGP T K Vinod Kumar who was asked to look into the matter earlier.
The Intelligence chief found that most irregularities took place in Kasaragod, Kannur, Vadakara, Alathur, Kollam and Attingal Lok Sabha constituencies. It was also found that hundreds of postal ballots have been sent to the house of a member of the Left-linked police association at Vattapara in Thiruvananthapuram.
