Clashes, itching powder, and fraud claims: Odd incidents reported at Kerala booths

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Although extensive arrangements were made to prevent fraudulent voting, several complaints emerged throughout the day. While no major violence was reported, there were numerous disputes at various booths, including allegations of assault and the bizarre use of cowhage (itching powder).

Regional Incidents

• Poonjar: A confrontation occurred between LDF candidate Sebastian Kulathunkal and the police regarding the placement of flex boards near a polling station.
• Kannur and Kasaragod: UDF women booth agents filed complaints alleging that cowhage itching powder was used against them to disrupt their work.
• Taliparamba: A BJP agent was reportedly beaten during a polling dispute.

Allegations of Fraud

In Kasaragod, UDF candidate Sandeep Varier alleged widespread fake voting at the Puthilot AUP School booth in Trikaripur. Varier claimed that election officials and police connived with CPM workers to facilitate the fraud, stating he would submit evidence to the Election Commission. Conversely, CPM activists accused Varier of deliberately inciting conflict and threatening officials.

Similar complaints surfaced elsewhere:

• Ottapalam: Allegations of fake voting were reported across four separate booths.
• Perambra: A CPM Panchayat Vice President was accused of assaulting a voter.
• Payyannur: UDF-backed independent candidate V. Kunhikrishnan alleged systematic fraud in Karivellur, Vellore, Karammel, and Ettukudukka. He claimed that outsiders entered Booth 78 to threaten agents, and some used fake identity cards.

Assault of Municipal Councillor

A complaint has been filed alleging that a CPM leader assaulted Shemi S. Aziz, a Congress leader and municipal councillor, near the polling booth at Vilakkuvettom LP School in Punalur. Shemi sustained injuries to her face and right hand and subsequently sought medical treatment at a hospital. In response, the police registered a case against Subhash G. Nath, who serves as the chairman of the Punalur Municipal Health Affairs Standing Committee. Shemi alleged that the physical altercation occurred after she confronted CPM workers who were canvassing for votes in restricted areas near the booth.

Security Measures and Preventive Detention

To ensure a peaceful voting process and deter potential violence, law enforcement implemented extensive security measures across the state. The police took 2,800 individuals into preventive detention and placed 11,000 people with known criminal backgrounds under close observation. Furthermore, camera surveillance was operational in 30,471 booths statewide, with particular focus directed toward 2,500 locations identified as problematic polling stations.