US Citizen Detained at Chennai Airport for Illegal Voting in Tamil Nadu Elections

A 64-year-old US citizen, Kishore, was detained at Chennai International Airport for allegedly casting an illegal vote in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. This marks the 18th arrest of a foreign national on similar charges, as part of an Election Commission crackdown on illegal voting by foreign citizens.

A 64-year-old American citizen identified as Kishore was taken into custody at Chennai International Airport after officials discovered he had allegedly voted illegally in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Kishore, who resides in Chennai and holds a United States passport, was preparing to board an Emirates flight to the U.S. when immigration authorities noted indelible ink on his finger.

During questioning, Kishore confessed to voting in the Virugambakkam constituency in Chennai. As India does not permit dual citizenship, this disqualified him from voting in the Indian elections. Consequently, his travel plans were canceled, and he was handed over to the Chennai Central Crime Branch for legal proceedings. This arrest follows the Election Commission of India’s intense scrutiny of expatriates.

The Election Commission had directed airport officials at major hubs like Chennai and Madurai to thoroughly inspect departing passengers for voting ink. With Kishore's arrest, the count of foreign nationals stopped for illegal voting has climbed to 18. This rigorous inspection has led to notable unease among travelers at Chennai Airport recently.