Writing to the CEO, the EC stated the FIR lodged within the matter on Thursday “be vigorously pursued to ensure that the case is taken to its logical and expeditious conclusion”. A Congress delegation had submitted a grievance towards Somanna, the state’s Housing minister, to the Bengaluru Police on Thursday. Based on an audio clip that went viral, the Congress alleged that Somanna, who’s being fielded by the BJP from Varuna and Chamarajanagar, allegedly supplied a bribe of Rs 50 lakh to Janata Dal (Secular)’s Chamarajanagar candidate Mallikarjuna Swamy.

A supply within the EC instructed The Indian Express that the fee had taken word of the reported audio clip circulating on social media and requested for the District Election Officer (DEO)’s report on the matter. The FIR towards Somanna was filed below Sections 171 (E) and 171 (F) of the Indian Penal Code, which pertain to punishment for bribery and undue affect or personation at an election, on the Town police station in Chamarajanagar, the supply added.

The EC directed the state CEO to observe the state of affairs on the bottom “constantly” in order to stop such “alleged incidents at the outset in the future”.

“Teams set up to monitor media and social media be adequately strengthened and directed to keep a constant vigil and immediately report and take action against any attempt of bribery or intimidation to candidates and voters and other corrupt practices. Similarly, reports on C-VIGIL [EC’s complaints app] and other relevant apps be also constantly monitored,” the EC stated.

While asserting the Karnataka elections on March 29, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar had flagged the affect of “money power” as one of many challenges in conducting the Karnataka polls.