Team Herald
PANJIM: A major drama unfolded hours before polling for the elections to the Corporation of City of Panaji could begin, as St Cruz MLA Atanasio (Babush) Monserrate backed candidate Uday Madkaikar was found distributing money to residents of Bhatulem.
Madkaikar, contesting from Ward number 18, was found violating the election code of conduct when he along with his supporters was seen at Dhanalaxmi building distributing cash.
However, witnesses say he escaped in a white Honda Jazz car GA-07-Q-55 when the opposition candidates tried to stop him from continuing the cash distribution.
“Our candidate Ahmad Shaikh and his friends saw Uday distributing cash. By the time they could surround his gang, Uday escaped in his tinted car,” Congress’ Rudresh Chodankar said. The Congress-backed candidate has already moved the Election Commission complaining about the violation.
Another supporter said that they tried to lock Uday and his supporters in the building complex but the latter overpowered them and escaped from the spot.
“We called the Flying Squad and the police, but they did not seem serious about the issue. There was only a verbal inquiry and the squad left the spot within minutes,” he alleged.
Congress’ Pandurang Madkaikar was quick to inform Election Observer Sabaji Shetye about the violation. Shetye confirmed receiving a verbal complaint and said he had instructed the Mamlatdar to rush to the spot. “We have begun an inquiry,” he told Herald.
Panjim Police patrolled the ward all through the night to ascertain there was no law and order problem while Uday remained absconding. Meanwhile, Ahmed was in the process of filing a police complaint after the incident.
