The Kerala Police on Friday began an investigation on the controversy regarding the visuals aired by a Hindi news channel that showed MK Raghavan, the UDF candidate of the Kozhikode Lok Sabha constituency. The channel claimed allegedly seeking money from a private party (channel reporters) to open a hotel in the city.
Speaking to TNM, AK Jamaludheen IPS, the Kozhikode Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), who is heading the case, said that the investigation was taken up after a complaint was filed by MK Raghavan on Friday, claiming that the visuals aired by the news channel was fake and is an attempt to ruin his image before the Lok Sabha elections. “We have begun an inquiry into the matter. No case has been registered yet,” said the Kozhikode DCP.
According to media reports, Seeram Sambasiva Rao, the Kozhikode District Collector has submitted a report to Teeka Ram Meena, the Chief Election Officer, regarding the controversy.
In the visuals aired by TV9, a Hindi news channel, the private party can be seen introducing themselves as a “consultancy company”, who has a client looking to build a hotel in Kozhikode and for this they can be seen requesting the support of MK Raghavan.
Following this, Raghavan can be seen asking what is the estimate land they are looking for to which, the “consultancy company” officials reply that they need 10 to 15 acres.
The video, then cuts to a footage where Raghavan is being asked about how much will be the expenses to which the Kozhikode candidate can be heard saying, “It will come up to 15 to 20 crore rupees this time.” This is alleged to be the amount demanded by Raghavan for his election expenses as he can be seen talking about expenses for printing and hoardings. He can also be seen demanding that the money be paid in cash.
After the visuals were aired by TV9 on Wednesday, it soon started doing the rounds on social media, following which the Kozhikode candidate posted a video on his Facebook page justifying his side.
“The allegations raised by TV9 against me is fake and it is known to everyone that it was made with the intention to ruin my image,” said Raghavan in his video. He went on to say that he gets a lot of visitors in his house everyday and he entertains all of them in his house. “One day, two people came to my house and said that they wanted to understand and study the election situation in Kerala.”
“But I never demanded any money from them. If they can prove these allegations against me, then I will withdraw my candidature and also retire from my political career,” said Raghavan.
MK Raghavan went on to say that he will take legal action against TV9 and everyone behind the video.