Voters get cash by post

HYDERABAD: With the D-Day fast approaching, candidates are exploring novel ways to bribe the voters. In this game, the humble postman has unwittingly become the medium to deliver hard cash at the doorsteps of voters.
This trend came to light with complaints pouring in about cash being distributed by post. It also figured during a recent meeting of Election Commission officials with police.
As a result, police have decided to verify bulk posts, especially which are landing without 'From' address.
"Some independent candidates have lodged complaints about transfer of cash through posts. So, we want to keep tabs on new methods of cash transfer like ATM, gold auction by finance companies, delivery through postman,'' Cyberabad commissioner CV Anand has said.
According to police, several finance companies are planning auction of unclaimed gold on April 28 and 29 and the election in Telangana is on April 30. Police suspect that it is a ploy to lure voters by the candidates. Aspirants who usually target the poor are trying to make it a cashless transfer this time.
"Accounts of self-help groups (SHGs) will be monitored by Cyber Wing of Cyberabad police. We are basically trying to keep an eye on the non-conventional methods being used by the candidates,'' Anand said.
Officials said that liquor was being distributed by issuing coupons to prospective voters, wherein the persons can approach a wine shop and collect pre-determined quantity of alcohol.
Though it is less than a fortnight away for the polling day, the requested paramilitary force by both Hyderabad and Cyberabad police have not arrived. Hyderabad police have requested for 38 companies (each comprising around 90 personnel) of central forces, while Cyberabad police wanted 30. Till date, the Hyderabad police has been allotted 14 companies, while their Cyberabad counterparts 11 companies.
In all probability, they might have to make do with the given force. In Cyberabad commissionerate limits, a significant number of personnel were guarding EVMs used in the local body elections, whose results have been withheld till May 7.