A local BJP leader faces charges in Kerala for allegedly distributing household kits worth Rs 900 each to sway voters ahead of the April 9 Assembly elections.
Thrissur's flying squad intercepted the unauthorized giveaway near Parthasarathy temple at Olari on Saturday. Officials seized kits of daily essentials from a colony where about 100 had already been handed out.
Following a complaint by Executive Magistrate Bindu T N, police filed an FIR against BJP leader Radhakrishnan, who allegedly directed the distribution.
Charges include sections 170(1)(1) and 173 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), plus section 123(A)(1) of the Representation of the People Act for undue influence. As non-cognizable offenses, prior magistrate approval enabled the action, the Chief Electoral Officer's office confirmed Sunday.
BJP's Thrissur candidate is Padmaja Venugopal.