Malur voters protest 'stringent' poll code

Bangalore, Apr 16 (UNI) The people of Malur, a small town in adjoining Kolar district, today staged a dharna in front of the office of the Chief Election Officer here against the ''official high-handedness'' in the name of enforcing the model code of conduct.

About 100 people from the town alleged that ever since the election dates were announced for the Karnataka Assembly, they were subjected to 'poll related' harassment.

They claimed the police were booking cases even when people took home groceries from shops. ''Already the police have booked 15 such cases harassing innocent citizens.'' Demanding that the CEO look into their grievances, they said their life has been made difficult by the police and poll officials.

Two days ago, the entire police force was up against the Deputy Commissioner and the CEO for recommending the suspension of the district SP, a DySP and a Circle Inspector on the charge of not enforcing the election code. They withdrew the agitation only after the intervention of senior police officers.

UNI MV RS GD RC RK1916