Kunki Chowdhury, a candidate of the Assam Jatiya Parishad, appeared at Panbazar Police Station on Sunday following a police summons linked to alleged violations of election rules during polling in the Guwahati Central constituency on April 9.
Summons Issued Under BNSS
Police served Chowdhury a notice under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, asking her to appear for questioning as part of an ongoing probe into suspected breaches of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
Officials said the inquiry focuses on activities that allegedly took place during the legally mandated silence period around polling day.
Details of the Allegations
According to investigators, multiple complaints have been examined in connection with the case. Authorities alleged that an individual associated with Chowdhury was present during the restricted silence period.
Police also claimed that the candidate entered a polling station accompanied by a group and engaged with voters in a manner that may have influenced the electoral process.
Further allegations include the presence of vehicles linked to the candidate within prohibited zones near polling booths, unauthorised entry of security personnel inside polling premises, and suspected digital campaign activity during the silence period. Video footage is reportedly being reviewed as part of the evidence.
Conditions in Police Notice
The notice directed Chowdhury to cooperate fully with investigators, refrain from interfering with evidence, and avoid influencing witnesses. It also cautioned that failure to comply could result in legal action under applicable provisions.
Chowdhury Terms Action ‘Politically Motivated’
Reacting to the development, Chowdhury acknowledged that a case had been registered against her as well as members of her social media team. She also stated that some of her associates had been detained earlier.
Maintaining her innocence, she asserted that her campaign adhered to guidelines issued by the Election Commission and described the police action as politically motivated. Chowdhury further emphasised that due process must be followed throughout the investigation.
The case has added to the ongoing political tensions in Assam amid the election period, with further developments expected as the probe continues.
