Burnt Voter Records Found Near Ex-BJP MLA's Home Amid 'Vote Theft' Probe
Kalaburagi, Karnataka – Heaps of burnt voter records have been discovered near the residence of former BJP MLA Subhash Guttedar in the Aland area, as a Special Investigation Team (SIT) intensifies its investigation into alleged 'vote theft' during the 2023 assembly elections. The incident occurred on Saturday, adding a new layer of complexity to the ongoing probe.
The SIT had previously raided multiple locations linked to Guttedar on Friday, including the ex-MLA's home, his sons' properties, and the residence of a chartered accountant. These raids were part of the investigation into allegations of voter list manipulation during the 2023 Karnataka Assembly Elections in the Aland constituency. The case was initially filed by Congress MLA B.R. Patil, who has accused Guttedar of involvement in voter fraud.
According to sources, the burnt documents were found in Revana Siddeshwara Colony in Aland, just hours after the SIT concluded its search operation. Police are investigating whether the burnt documents are linked to the earlier raids conducted at Guttedar's residence, suspecting a potential attempt to destroy crucial evidence. The Aland Police Inspector has already visited the site, and forensic experts are examining the remains.
Guttedar has dismissed any suspicious implications of the burnt records, attributing the incident to his housekeeping staff. He stated that the staff was conducting a cleanliness drive ahead of a festival and burnt the records as part of this activity. Guttedar questioned why, if there were malicious intent, the burning would occur in front of his house. He has vehemently denied the allegations of vote theft, calling the controversy a "conspiracy by Congress". He claimed that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was misled into making false statements about the situation.
The issue of voter data theft gained national attention after Rahul Gandhi alleged large-scale irregularities in multiple constituencies. He cited the Aland constituency as a prime example, prompting the formation of the SIT. Congress leaders have alleged that fraudulent phone calls were made to delete Congress voters from the rolls. They claim that the detection of this fraud contributed to the victory of their candidate, B.R. Patil, and the defeat of the BJP candidate, Subhash Guttedar.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities probing all angles to determine the truth behind the alleged vote theft and the circumstances surrounding the burnt voter records. The simultaneous SIT raids and the discovery of the burnt documents have heightened scrutiny and fueled speculation about attempts to conceal evidence.
