By Maktoob
Police protection has been provided to MediaOne Palakkad reporter Sajid Ajmal following alleged threats from the Bharatiya Janata Party–Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, following his report exposing an alleged cash-for-votes incident involving BJP candidate Sobha Surendran in Palakkad.
Based on an intelligence report, the DGP Ravada Chandrasekhar on Monday ordered police protection for him, directing the Palakkad SP to act after the editor of MediaOne formally requested security for the reporter.
Ajmal had reported that Shobha Surendran, an NDA candidate in Palakkad district, allegedly attempted to influence voters. The issue became controversial after footage showing money being distributed to voters emerged from the Kannadi area in Palakkad.
Shobha denied the allegations, stating that she had no connection with the woman seen in the footage and that the story was fabricated by the Congress party. However, her defence came under scrutiny after media professionals pointed out visuals showing the same woman travelling in her car.
Old photographs, reportedly released by the Congress, also suggested a long-standing acquaintance between the woman and the candidate.
The Palakkad South Police have launched a detailed investigation into the cash-for-votes allegation. Statements have been recorded from complainants and those who filmed the incident. Scientific examination of the footage and local CCTV visuals is underway to determine whether money was distributed in other areas during the silent campaign period.
Leaders from LDF and UDF shared concern about the threats to the journalist. Opposition leader V. D. Satheesan said that these threats constitute a “challenge to democracy,” calling it an attempt to cover up the embarrassment caused by the exposure.
This story was originally published in maktoobmedia.com. Read the full story here.
