Crime branch probe ordered into denial of postal ballots

Thiruvananthapuram: State police chief Loknath Behera has asked crime branch to probe the allegations regarding denial of postal ballot to policemen on duty.
According to reports 33 policemen of Bekal police station who were on election duty were not provided ballot papers which are to be returned by post, instead of casting votes directly at polling booths. A total of 44 policemen from the station were deployed during the Lok Sabha polls, of which only 11 were given postal ballots.
A conspiracy is being suspected since 11 policemen of the station, including a circle-inspector, were given the postal ballots and the rest were denied the same. Even though these policemen had complained to the district collector later, they were told that all the postal ballots were distributed on time.
The UDF has alleged that postal ballots were denied to them since they were not part of the police association.
Already a crime branch probe has been ordered into such allegations. A preliminary report submitted by ADGP T K Vinod Kumar, who is the state intelligence chief and holds additional charge of crime branch, has hinted at foul play and had recommended action against certain police officers.
Based on this report, civil police officer Vysakh from Indian Reserve Battalion was suspended. Vysakh had reportedly posted a voice clip on a social media group of police asking colleagues who were on election duty to hand over their postal ballots to pro-CPM police association leaders.