PUNE: Poll officials in Pimpri Chinchwad have seized a variety of items — including boxes containing from washing machines to liquor bottles and even empty cartons of dinner sets — allegedly meant to be distributed among voters to lure them ahead of the civic elections.The raid followed complaints received by the election department.
Officials said 13 cases were registered with the city police over the last few days, including five non-cognisable and eight cognisable offences. There were also complaints by candidates allegedly being threatened by rivals or their supporters for contesting the civic polls as well as cases of violations of the model code of conduct — like installation of banners and flexes without requisite permission.On Monday, around 10.30pm, a flying squad of the election department intercepted a vehicle in the Ganraj Colony area of Rahatni following a complaint that washing machines would be distributed to voters. “As many as 19 washing machines were found in the vehicle and seized. Further investigation is underway,” a senior official said.Anil Pawar, returning officer in charge of the D zonal office covering wards 25, 26, 28 and 29, told TOI that an inquiry was being conducted. “Appropriate action will be taken based on the findings,” he said.Earlier on Monday, family members of an NCP candidate alleged assault and threats by supporters of a rival BJP aspirant. The men allegedly barged into their residence over the candidate’s decision to contest the civic election.In an incident on Dec 30, supporters of an NCP candidate allegedly assaulted another aspirant for filing a nomination.
