Thrissur: Allegations of violence and violation of the Model Code of Conduct have surfaced from the Manalur Assembly constituency, with NDA candidate K.K. Aneesh Kumar filing a formal complaint before the Chief Electoral Officer of Kerala.
In the complaint, Aneesh Kumar accused UDF candidate T.N. Prathapan and his associates of assaulting an NDA booth agent at Booth No. 205, located at SHS St. Mary’s School, on April 9 around 10 pm.
According to the complaint, the NDA booth agent, identified as Jayaprakash, objected to the entry of multiple persons into the polling station, stating that only the candidate is permitted inside as per election rules. This reportedly led to a confrontation.
The complaint alleges that Prathapan and his associates verbally abused and physically assaulted the booth agent, dragging him out of the polling station and continuing the attack. It further states that the agent sustained injuries and required medical treatment.
Aneesh Kumar has also alleged that the incident caused disruption to the polling process and created an atmosphere of fear among polling officials and workers. He claimed that police personnel present at the location failed to provide adequate protection, though they later attempted to intervene.
In addition, the complaint accuses members of the UDF camp of visiting houses in the constituency on the same day and attempting to influence voters through misleading information and false promises.
Describing the incidents as serious violations of the Model Code of Conduct, the NDA candidate has sought a detailed investigation and strict legal action against those involved. He has also urged authorities to consider cancelling Prathapan’s candidature, citing the gravity of the allegations.
Election authorities are yet to issue an official response on the complaint.
