Unraveling the 'Vote Chori': A Political Scandal in Aland

A Special Investigation Team is examining 'vote chori' in the Aland assembly segment of Karnataka’s 2023 elections. At least six suspects were identified for allegedly attempting to delete thousands of votes. The plot was exposed by Congress leaders B R Patil and Priyank Kharge, prompting a formal investigation.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has unearthed a scandal involving 'vote chori' in Karnataka's Aland assembly segment during the 2023 elections. The team has identified six suspects believed to have attempted to delete votes, with each deletion reportedly costing Rs 80 according to sources from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Congress leaders, including MLA B R Patil and Priyank Kharge, uncovered the attempted vote deletions, alerting the Chief Electoral Officer of Karnataka. Out of 6,994 deletion requests, most were found to be illegitimate. The timely intervention likely helped Patil secure his win by a 10,000-vote margin against BJP's Subhash Guttedar.

The SIT, led by Additional Director General of Police B K Singh, is currently focusing on Aland but has not ruled out similar attempts elsewhere. The investigation has involved questioning several individuals and raiding premises linked to both suspects and Guttedar, further uncovering burnt voter records near his residence.

(With inputs from agencies.)