Inquiry report on ‘cash-for-votes’ row expected next week

Palakkad: The inquiry into allegations of cash distribution to influence voters in the Palakkad assembly constituency has been completed, with the final report expected next week. District collector M S Madhavikutty recorded statements of NDA candidate Sobha Surendran, LDF candidate NMR Razak and UDF Kannadi mandalam convener A Vineesh. The collector also recorded statements of Muhammad Sha, the individual who captured visuals of the alleged cash distribution on the eve of polling. Statements were taken from LDF and UDF chief election agents as well as Palakkad municipality chairperson Prameela Sashidharan, who was reportedly present with Surendran at the time. The elderly woman who was allegedly seen receiving money in the video did not appear before officials. Authorities said a fresh notice will be issued to record her statement. Final report will be submitted after her statements are recorded as well. Denying the allegations, Surendran told the collector that no money was distributed on behalf of BJP and described the controversy as a politically motivated conspiracy.