EC begins probe into money distribution by CPI(M) MP

Kolkata, April 23: The Election Commission has started an inquiry into alleged distribution of money by CPI-M MP from Bolpur in Birbhum district's Sainthia assembly constituency, a senior EC official said on Friday.

Deputy Election Commissioner Vinod Zutshi said that three Trinamool Congress MPs, Sudip Bandopadhyay, Mukul Roy and Kalyan Banerjee, met him during the day and lodged a complaint in this regard.

"I have received a complaint about money distribution by a CPI-M MP in Bolpur. Indications are there that some person was distributing money in private. We are checking this out with the Birbhum collector," Zutshi, who wrapped up his three-day tour today, told reporters here.

Asked what steps the EC would take if the charges were found to be true, Zutshi said action would be taken under IPC and the culprits will be booked immediately.

On AITC's complaints about Biman Bose, Gautam Deb and Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee saying that the trio had been hurling wild and baseless allegations against the party during election campaigns, Zutshi said that the EC was looking into those charges as well.

"We will examine the veracity and correctness of the charges and take action if needed," he said.

The EC was also verifying the charges levelled by the CPI-M against the AITC, he added.

PTI