Vellore Mayor, councillor booked for violating Model Code of Conduct

Vellore Mayor Sujatha Anandakumar and a councillor face legal action for violating the Model Code of Conduct by distributing sports equipment.

The Mayor of Vellore Corporation Sujatha Anandakumar was among three persons who were booked by Sathuvachari police in Vellore for violation of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for alleged distribution of sports kits to youth in the area.

Police said that based on a complaint from election officer Satheesh Velan, cases have been registered against Mayor Ms. Sujatha, ward 27 councilor Satheesh Kumar, and car driver Gopinath under section 173 (bribery during elections) and section 132 (assaulting or using criminal force against a public servant to deter them from their duty) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

Initial inquiry revealed that along with local ward councillor, Ms. Sujatha allegedly distributed government-sponsored sports equipment to youth in a corporation office at Sathuvachari a few days ago. As residents gathered near the venue, she left the spot in a car.

Police said that subsequently, AIADMK’s Vellore secretary SRK Appu complained to election officials about the violation of MCC. Following the complaint, election officials tried to stop the car after it was spotted in the area. However, the car driver Gopinath did not stop the vehicle. Thereafter, election officials filed a complaint with Sathuvachari police. Cases were registered. Police also seized the car. A probe is under way.