Karwan tops in poll code violation cases

HYDERABAD: Since the model code of conduct (MCC) has come into effect, the Karwan assembly constituency in Old City has received the dubious distinction of registering the maximum number of poll code violation cases across the 15 constituencies in Hyderabad district.
The district election authorities have so far registered 1,468 cases against parties and candidates for a range of violations, including displaying banners at public and private properties.
Soon after the MCC came into force, the Hyderabad Lok Sabha constituency returning officer and collector Mukesh Kumar Meena had asked all returning officers to register complaints against anyone who violates the election code. Consequently, the ROs and special squads went about inspecting various assembly segments. Karwan returning officer R Anjaiah and his squad identified numerous violations by way of unauthorized graffiti and banners.
"We have booked 10 cases for wall graffiti, 800 cases for putting up posters (350 public properties and 450 private properties) and another 315 cases for displaying banners in the Karwan assembly segment itself," Anjaiah told STOI. "It is mandatory that parties take prior permission from owners of private properties for graffiti and banners, but none had taken permission," the RO added. So far, the flying squads have also seized Rs.2.86 crore unaccounted cash and one kg gold from the constituency. Karwan is an MIM bastion and the party has fielded a fresh face, Kausar Mohiuddin, who is the husband of a corporator. The party had taken up massive campaign programmes in the segment even before the candidates' list was officially announced. This was evident in the sheer number of graffiti that appeared on walls over the last few weeks.
In fact, on Saturday, the MCC control room, which has been set up at the Hyderabad Collectorate, received a complaint from one Mohd Sattar alleging that the "All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen party is distributing cricket kits near Charminar between 2.30 am and 4 am". "The complaint has been forwarded to the authorities concerned to verify it," sources said.
Meanwhile, in Goshamhal assembly constituency, the authorities registered 160 cases against various parties for displaying banners. However, not a single complaint have been registered so far in the remaining constituencies.