NT NETWORK
PANAJI
North Goa police are investigating a total of 42 First Information Reports (FIRs) which have been registered against candidates contesting the assembly election, their supporters as well as against unknown supporters or members of political parties. The FIRs were registered during the model code of conduct which is still in force.
According to a senior police officer, majority of the FIRs are pertaining to Section 188 IPC (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) which are related to posters, banners, pamphlets etc while some are related to allegations of bribing, inducing or influencing voters. There is also a case pertaining to rioting registered with Mapusa police in connection with alleged clash between the supporters of Porvorim candidates Guruprasad Pawaskar (BJP) and Rohan Khaunte (Independent).
In two separate cases of alleged bribery, Old Goa police have registered offence against the former Cumbharjua MLA Pandurang Madkaikar.
According to the police, there were allegations that Pandurang Madkaikar had indulged in illegal activities of distributing gift coupons of Rs 500 each along with the party (BJP) manifesto to the electors of Cumbharjua constituency. While in another case, Madkaikar was accused of inducing a group to support him. Old Goa police have registered two separate FIRs against Madkaikar under sections of IPC including 171 B, (bribery—Whoever, gives a gratification to any person with the object of inducing him or any other person to exercise any electoral right or of rewarding any person for having exercised any such right).
Former Minister and MGP candidate for Pernem constituency Manohar (Babu) Ajgaonkar was accused of influencing voters. Pernem police had registered an offence under Section 171 F IPC (undue influence or personation at an election) and also under Section 188 of IPC.
According to the police, Ajgaonkar during a public meeting allegedly induced supporters/ public for voting his party claiming that he had given many government jobs to the people from Pernem constituency. He also reportedly asked public to accept money to cast votes from other candidates if they approach them, police said.
In a case of allegedly influencing voters, Porvorim police had registered an FIR against Porvorim sitting MLA and candidate Rohan Khaunte under IPC sections 171-C (undue influence at elections), 171-F and also under Section 188 of IPC. It is in connection with distribution of voters slips in violation of instructions of the Election Commission of India (ECI), police have said referring to a complaint.