Former BJP MLA Named in 20,000-Page Chargesheet for Alleged Voter Deletion Scheme in Karnataka Elections

Bengaluru:

A Special Investigation Team has submitted a comprehensive 20,000-page chargesheet implicating seven individuals, including a former BJP MLA, in Karnataka's vote theft scandal dating back to the 2023 assembly elections. The document was presented to the First Additional Chief Metropolitan in Bengaluru, addressing allegations concerning the unauthorized removal of 5,994 voters from the electoral rolls in Aland Assembly constituency.

The chargesheet lists Subhash Guttedar, who previously served four terms as MLA from Aland, along with his son Harshanand Guttedar and personal secretary Tipperudra. Additionally named were three operators from a Kalaburagi data centre - Akram Pasha, Mukaram Pasha, and Mohammed Ashfaq - as well as Bapi Adya, a youth from West Bengal.

Investigators identified Adya as having allegedly provided an OTP bypass mechanism that enabled unauthorized access to Election Commission online services. While Adya was the first arrest in this investigation, he has since been released on bail. Court records indicate that Guttedar, his son, and his personal secretary previously secured pre-arrest bail. The former MLA's son has publicly rejected the allegations, claiming they have been falsely implicated.

Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi previously criticized both the BJP and Election Commission in September regarding claims of "massive voter deletion" in the Aland constituency. The Election Commission refuted Gandhi's assertions as "incorrect," emphasizing that voter removals cannot be processed online and must include notification to affected individuals.

Addressing the chargesheet filing, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stated, "It is the fact. Nothing is hidden here. MLAs want to discuss this on Wednesday in the assembly. We will have a legal vote bank as Rahul suggested."

Cabinet colleague Priyank Kharge challenged the BJP to respond to allegations involving their former representative. "When we filed a complaint, they were brushing it. But now the investigation itself is speaking about it. BJP should answer now on why their candidates are involved in such fraudulent acts," he remarked.

Union Minister and BJP leader Pralhad Joshi responded by noting that while anyone can file an FIR, the courts will ultimately determine the outcome of these charges.