In a startling revelation that has sent shockwaves through Karnataka's political landscape, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has uncovered a sophisticated vote manipulation scheme in the Aland constituency where voters were systematically paid ₹80 for each successfully deleted vote.
The Systematic Vote Deletion Operation
The investigation has exposed a well-organized network that targeted voters through a calculated approach. According to police officials familiar with the probe, the operation followed a disturbing pattern:
- Voters were identified and approached by middlemen
- They were offered ₹80 per vote for successful deletion
- The process involved exploiting electoral system vulnerabilities
- Multiple middlemen coordinated the illegal operation
SIT's Groundbreaking Findings
The Special Investigation Team, which has been meticulously examining the case, has gathered substantial evidence pointing to a widespread conspiracy. The ₹80-per-vote rate appears to have been standardized across the operation, suggesting a highly organized criminal enterprise rather than isolated incidents.
Police sources indicate that the modus operandi involved convincing voters to participate in the deletion process through various means, including financial incentives and potential coercion in some cases. The investigation has identified several key individuals who acted as conduits between the masterminds and the voters.
Electoral Integrity Under Threat
This case represents one of the most brazen attacks on electoral democracy in recent Karnataka history. The systematic nature of the vote deletion operation raises serious questions about the vulnerability of electoral processes and the need for enhanced security measures.
Law enforcement agencies have emphasized that this is not an isolated incident but part of a larger pattern of electoral manipulation that requires urgent attention and systemic reforms.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The SIT continues to pursue all leads in the case, with several arrests already made and more expected in the coming days. The probe has expanded to uncover the entire network behind the operation, including those who financed and masterminded the scheme.
Legal experts suggest that the perpetrators could face serious charges under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code and Representation of the People Act, given the grave nature of the offense against democratic institutions.
