‘It will surely be investigated’: Chennithala on Kasaragod EVM hacking allegations

Kasaragod: Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Monday rejected media reports claiming that allegations of EVM hacking in Kasaragod during the recent Assembly elections were discussed at a district UDF meeting, while Congress MP Rajmohan Unnithan demanded a detailed investigation into the matter.

Addressing a press conference, Chennithala said the UDF district chairman had clarified that no discussion on the alleged EVM hacking claims took place during the district committee meeting.

"There was no such discussion, according to the UDF district chairman. Someone may have said something, but no discussion on the issue took place there. It is not something that has come to my notice," the minister said.

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When reporters raised the issue of Unnithan’s demand for a comprehensive investigation into the allegations, Chennithala said an inquiry would be initiated if a formal complaint was submitted.

"If the MP gives a complaint, it will surely be investigated," he said.

Soon after, Unnithan, who was present beside Chennithala at the press conference, submitted a written complaint to the minister seeking a thorough probe into the allegations.

"In the presence of everyone, I am submitting this complaint to the Home Minister requesting a thorough probe," Unnithan said.

The Congress MP said that if the EVM hacking claims were proven false, those who provided such information to the media should face action. However, if the allegations were found to be true, it would represent an attempt to damage democracy.

"Rahul Gandhi has fought against alleged EVM hacking at the national level. So such attempts can never be accepted," Unnithan said.

After receiving the complaint, Chennithala again assured that the allegations would be examined.

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"Now that a complaint has been received, it will surely be investigated," he said.

Earlier, Unnithan had described the reported allegations of EVM hacking in Kasaragod district linked to the recent Assembly elections as a "serious criminal offence".

He said the issue should not be viewed as an internal party matter and maintained that anyone found guilty, regardless of their position, should face action.

The remarks came after allegations surfaced against a Congress leader in Kasaragod district, who was accused of collecting money from some UDF candidates by claiming he had technology to prevent alleged BJP attempts to hack EVMs and secure victory in the Assembly elections. (PTI)