Cash-for-Votes Scandal Rocks East Champaran Ahead of Polls
Motihari witnessed a major political controversy on Monday when police registered two separate cases of alleged cash distribution to influence voters. The cases target candidates from both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) just before the November 11 assembly elections.
Cases Filed Against Sitting MLA and RJD Candidate
East Champaran Superintendent of Police Swarn Prabhat confirmed that Patahi police have lodged a case against BJP's sitting MLA and Chiraiya candidate Lalbabu Gupta. The case stems from allegations that Gupta was distributing cash among women voters to secure their support.
A viral video that purportedly shows the incident has been circulating, though its authenticity remains unverified by independent sources. The police have assured that the matter is under active investigation and appropriate action will follow based on evidence.
In a parallel development, another case has been registered against RJD's Harsidhi candidate Rajendra Ram following the emergence of a separate video. This video allegedly shows Ram engaging in similar cash distribution activities aimed at influencing voters ahead of the crucial assembly polls.
Major Cash Seizure in Nakchhedtola
In a significant breakthrough, police conducted a raid at a house in Nakchhedtola area of Motihari and made a substantial recovery. Officers arrested one person and detained another individual identified as Sabba Khan during this operation.
The police team seized Rs 3.40 lakh in cash from Khan, who was found in possession of 100 envelopes containing money. Investigators noted that these envelopes carried stickers bearing the name of RJD's Motihari candidate Deva Gupta, adding another layer to the ongoing cash distribution scandal.
A formal case has been registered against Khan and other individuals connected to this incident as the police continue their probe into what appears to be a systematic attempt to influence voters through financial inducements.
Election Integrity Under Scrutiny
These incidents have raised serious concerns about the integrity of the electoral process in East Champaran district. The timing of these cases, coming just one day before the assembly polls, highlights the ongoing challenge of money power in Indian elections.
Police authorities have emphasized that investigations into all three cases are progressing rapidly. The election commission has strict guidelines against cash distribution during elections, and violations can lead to serious consequences including disqualification of candidates.
As the assembly polls approach, these developments have created significant political tension in the region, with all parties watching closely how the investigation unfolds and what impact it might have on the election results.
