Bypoll: Tension prevails in Kerala’s Palakkad as police search hotel over black money suspicion
PTI, Nov 6, 2024, 9:23 AM IST
Palakkad: Tension prevailed here in the early hours of Wednesday after the police conducted searches at a hotel on suspicion that black money had been brought in to influence the by-election in the Palakkad Assembly constituency.
The police search began around midnight, and the rooms of leaders, including Congress politicians Bindu Krishna and Shanimol Usman, were also inspected.
When police attempted to enter a woman leader’s room, objections were raised due to the absence of female officers.
Congress supporters gathered at the hotel premises, protesting against the police action.
Police said that 12 rooms in the hotel were searched, including those of leaders from all political parties.
“It was a routine search. Nothing was found in the rooms,” a police officer told reporters.
The police added that searches are being conducted in hotels and lodges in the area to prevent malpractices during the November 20 by-election.
Congress leaders and Lok Sabha MPs V K Sreekandan and Shafi Parambil alleged that the search targeted their party leaders.
They announced a protest march to the office of the district police chief on Wednesday against the police action.
Leaders of the CPI(M)-led LDF and the BJP also arrived at the scene.
LDF leaders have demanded a review of all rooms and CCTV footage from the hotel.
The Election Commission of India postponed the Palakkad Assembly bypoll from November 13 to November 20, citing the Kalpathi Ratholsavam festival.
The bypoll for the seat was necessitated by the election of sitting MLA and Congress leader Shafi Parambil to the Lok Sabha from the Vadakara constituency in the parliamentary polls held earlier this year.
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.
Top News
Related Articles More
Original East India Company wound up but new breed of monopolists is in its place: Rahul
Pune gangrape case: 2 arrested men gave false info about 3rd absconding accused, say police
A third of Ranthambore’s 75 tigers missing, say officials
EC updates Maharashtra voter list; Shahada seat has 3 candidates in fray, Nanded North 33
Heroin worth Rs 3.5 crore recovered in police raid in Delhi, 2 arrested
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
Belthangady: Viral video shows woman rescuing Python
Bengaluru: Former business tycoon, national-level bike rider arrested for serial chain thefts
Geethartha Chinthane – 85: The Distinction Between Kashmala and Kalmasha
Former Mangaluru City Corporation Mayor Ajit Kumar passes away
MUDA case: BJP protests demanding K’taka CM’s resignation after he appears before Lokayukta police
Thanks for visiting Udayavani
You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.