The Madras High Court was informed on Thursday that an FIR has been registered by the police over the alleged bribing of voters in the RK Nagar constituency, ahead of the bye-elections that were held in 2016.
A counter affidavit stating this, was filed by the Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Rajesh Lakhoni, even as the court is hearing a PIL seeking a CBI probe into the matter, reports TNIE.
“On April 21, the returning officer lodged a complaint to the commissioner of police based on the income tax department's report and an FIR had also been registered by E-4, Abhiramapuram police station after getting permission from the appropriate magistrate, said CEO Rajesh Lakhoni, as reported by ToI.
“The department informed the commission that on the basis of information on tax evasion and distribution of cash during the bye-election, search and seizure action was conducted at 21 places in Chennai and 11 outside Chennai belonging to the minister and his associates," he added.
In addition to this, Sarathkumar, actor and president of Samathuva Makkal Katchi, Rajendran, former AIADMK MP and S Geetha Lakshmi, vice chancellor of Dr MGR Medical University were all mentioned as associates.
The department also said several complaints were registered indicating that Health Minister Vijayabhaskar was the main person involved in bribing voters.
This conclusion was arrived at, based on the loose sheets found with his accountant.
As many as 12 FIRs were reportedly registered in connection with distribution of bribe in the form of saris, lamps, etc to voters and 35 FIRs were registered based on complaints regarding cash or gift distribution, the CEO added.