SHILLONG, AUG 23: The Election Commission has issued a showcause notice to the National People’s Party (NPP) candidate and former five-time Ranikor MLA Martin M Danggo’s son for alleged violation of the model code of conduct.
The action was taken following a verbal complaint lodged by the leaders of the United Democratic Party (UDP) on the basis of a video circulating via Whatsapp showing Danggo’s son while entering a house at Photkroh village in South West Khasi Hills District and causing a search.
According to UDP leaders, the son of the ex-MLA had also taken along with him the Personal Security Officer (PSO) of his father while conducting search in the house they claimed of the party’s supporters.
Responding to a query during a press conference held here on Thursday, state’s chief electoral officer (CEO) Frederick Roy Kharkongor however informed that there was no written complaint received on the matter.
“However, based on the verbal complaint, the District Election Officer (DEO) has issued a show cause notice to the person concerned and police are also investigating into the case,” Kharkongor said.
It was also informed that the son of Danggo is also an employee of the Excise department in East Khasi Hills District.
Asked, the CEO said, “Right now it is premature to assume anything but notice has been sent to him. Let him reply to the showcause. Also let this be investigated properly as basically if there is any allegation we have to establish so let the fact come out then only can we take a stand.”
On contacting, district deputy commissioner I Laloo said though no formal complaint has been received, a notice was issued to the candidate/agent (of the NPP) on the basis of the video footage received which showed a person identified as the NPP candidate’s son allegedly entering the house of unknown persons and causing a search, personally, without warrant.
Stating that it appears that this unauthorised entry/intimidation amounts to a violation of the Model Code of Conduct, she said, “Hence he is asked to show cause before the undersigned on why action should not be taken against him.”
By Our Reporter
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