Voters taking cash will be jailed, warns poll panel

By IANS,

Chennai : In another measure to deter money power in April 13 Tamil Nadu assembly elections, the Election Commission of India Friday warned those taking cash in return for their vote of an year in jail.


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“It is not only the giver but also the receiver of the money in exchange for his vote who will be charged under Indian Penal Code and will be jailed for a year. Already, some cases have been registered,” Chief Electoral Officer Praveen Kumar told reporters here.

He said around Rs.30 crore unaccounted money has been seized by the flying squads across the state.

The poll panel earlier warned of one year jail term for those who are caught impersonating voters.

Praveen Kumar also said the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) officials will be questioned as to the cause of power cuts at night. Political parties take advantage of the darkness to distribute money among voters in a bid to influence their balloting.

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