THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Intelligence reports confirmed anomalies in the collection and utilization of postal votes of police officials on election duty. The report of state intelligence chief T K Vinod Kumar confirmed that association leaders tried to influence officials. Information obtained says the report has recommended a probe on those behind the message circulated on postal votes in whatsapp group of police association.

DGP Lokanath Behera directed intelligence to probe the incident soon after news came that association leaders owing allegiance to Left Front accepted the postal votes of police officials on election duty. An allegation was raised earlier that association leaders are accepting ballots and are voting on their will contrary to the instructions of the police chief. There were more than 55,000 officials for election duty. 90% of them cast postal votes. A probe will be conducted on the allegations that postal votes were collected after budging pressure and threats including transfers. The DGP will soon give an explanation to the chief electoral officer based on the report of the intelligence chief. Action will be taken against the guilty.

Soon after getting the postal ballot, association leaders will come to the employees to collect the votes. After casting votes on the ballot, these leaders will themselves put them in the box.