Two FIRs Filed Against BJP Leader Vinod Tawde for Alleged Cash Distribution to Voters

Police have filed two FIRs against BJP general secretary Vinod Tawde, party candidate Rajan Naik, and others. This action follows allegations of cash distribution to voters at a Palghar hotel before the Maharashtra elections. Another FIR targets BJP and Bahujan Vikas Aghadi members for attempting to hold a press conference. These cases were lodged at Tulinj police station for breaching the election code ahead of the November 20 assembly polls.

Allegations of Cash Distribution

The first FIR accuses Tawde and others of gathering at a hotel, violating election rules. The second FIR alleges they enticed voters with cash and alcohol. Hours before the polls, BVA leader Hitendra Thakur accused Tawde of distributing Rs 5 crore at a Virar hotel to influence voters. Tawde denied this, claiming he was only advising party workers on election procedures.

A police official reported that Rs 9,93,500 in cash was seized from the hotel. In the first FIR, 22 individuals, including Tawde, Naik, and party member Manoj Barot, were named. Additionally, 200 to 250 unidentified party workers were accused of illegally assembling on the hotel's fifth floor for a meeting, breaching election conduct rules.

Legal Proceedings and Investigations

In another FIR, 34 people, including Tawde, Naik, and Barot, were named alongside 200 to 250 unidentified party workers. They allegedly violated election rules by offering cash and alcohol to voters. Both cases are registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Representation of Peoples Act. The investigation is ongoing.

A video circulating online shows BVA supporters entering the Virar hotel room and throwing bundles of cash at Tawde before police escorted him out. A deputy commissioner from Mira Bhayanda-Vasai Virar police stated they are addressing the incidents at the hotel. The press conference held there was also deemed illegal.

After a three-hour commotion at the hotel, Hitendra Thakur, his son Kshitij, Tawde, and Naik attempted to hold a press conference. However, election officials stopped it. The situation remains tense as authorities continue their investigation into these allegations.