CPI(M) claims CCTV footage shows bag of ‘black money’ being brought to Palakkad hotel – Kerala News

Late night police raids on the rooms of Congress leaders at a Palakkad hotel turned into a political controversy with the CPI(M) accusing the Congress of bringing “black money” to the hotel.

The CPI(M) alleged that a bag of money was brought to the hotel where Congress candidate Rahul Mamkuotathil, Vadakara MP Shafi Parambil and party leader Jyoti Kumar Chamakkala were staying.

In support of this statement, a CCTV video was released showing the leader of the Youth Congress with a blue bag on a trolley.

The Congress said the raids, which were carried out late on Tuesday and early on Wednesday, were politically motivated ahead of the Palakkad by-election. No evidence was found, and the policeman confirmed: “Nothing was found in the rooms.”

Rahul Mamkuotathil denied the allegations, saying the bag contained his clothes and challenged the CPI(M) to prove otherwise. He accused the CPI(M) of colluding with the BJP and demanded the release of additional CCTV footage. He also threatened a defamation lawsuit and called for a “scientific study” of the bag.

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition VD Satheeshan has written to the Election Commission accusing the CPI(M) of abusing the police for political purposes citing night raids.

“It is therefore clear that the CPI(M)-led state government is trying to subvert free and fair elections, while the Model Code of Conduct and other restrictions are still in place,” Sathisan wrote, urging the ECI to take “immediate action”. corrective steps”.

He said the ECI should take up the matter and correct the “police atrocities that have already come to light and prevent further police atrocities”.

The letter asks the ECI to take swift action and direct the Chief Electoral Officer, election officials and the police to “ensure free and fair elections”.