Alappuzha: The District Collector, who is also the District Election Officer, has directed the police to register a case after noting a violation of the Model Code of Conduct in connection with defamatory and objectionable remarks made against LDF candidate U Prathibha from the Kayamkulam constituency.

Following reports in the media and posts on social media regarding the alleged violation, the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee examined the matter and referred it to the district-level committee on the Model Code of Conduct. A screening committee, chaired by the District Collector, then convened a meeting and took a decision.

Based on an evaluation of social media clips during the meeting, a prima facie violation of the Model Code of Conduct was found. The police were instructed to register a case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges related to insulting the dignity of women, making baseless statements during elections, issuing misleading statements that could influence election results, and defamation.

The controversy arose after A Irshad, Kayamkulam UDF chairman and Muslim League leader, allegedly made a sexist remark against Prathibha during a UDF convention held in Kayamkulam on Tuesday. Following the backlash, Irshad was expelled from the Muslim League and removed from the chairman’s post.