Assn complains to ECI on illegal digital distribution of money

Madurai: The Denotified Tribes Welfare Association has submitted a complaint to the chief election commissioner alleging illegal distribution of money to voters through proxy accounts and digital payment platforms, online financial services during the election period, in addition to regular modes of money distribution.In the complaint, coordinator of the association, K Duraimani, claimed that certain candidates and their associates had reportedly used proxy (benami) accounts to transfer money electronically to influence voters. He said that these transactions were carried out discreetly through widely used digital payment applications, making them difficult to detect through conventional monitoring methods, and described such practices as a violation of electoral laws that undermined the integrity of the democratic process.The association requested the Election Commission of India (ECI) to initiate a thorough investigation into suspicious digital transactions during the election period; monitor online financial transactions across platforms such as UPI-based applications, mobile wallets and internet banking services, scrutinise the bank accounts and digital wallets of candidates, their relatives and close associates to identify any unusual or bulk transfers, as well as coordinate with financial institutions, payment service providers and regulatory authorities to flag and report suspicious activities in real time. He also asked that strict legal action be taken against those found engaging in such illegal practices. Duraimani said, "Given the increasing use of digital platforms and the current political landscape, it is essential to expand election monitoring mechanisms to include online financial ecosystems." He added that "appropriate measures must be taken and the immediate intervention will help ensure free and fair elections and maintain public confidence in the electoral system."