Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru (RJP)

Bengaluru, Mar 22: Actor Prakash Rai, who has decided to contest as an independent in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from Bangalore Central Lok Sabha constituency, is in trouble as flying squad officials registered a case against him for allegedly violating the model code of conduct (MCC) following a complaint.

In a complaint dated March 19, Murthy D, a flying squad official for the 163 Vidhana Sabha constituency, stated that Prakash Rai had used a mike and campaigned for elections at a public rally held at the Mahatma Gandhi Circle near M G Road on March 12.

The rally was organised by two persons named Praveen K and Abhilash C S under the banner Media and Freedom of Expression and it was a non-political programme. Several writers, artistes and activists attended the programme where Prakash Raj used the mike and asked for votes, said Murthy in his complaint.

A WhatsApp video footage as evidence of Prakash Rai speaking on the mike was handed over to police. The footage was recorded by some people on their mobile phones who attended the programme and forwarded it to the flying squad officers.

When the flying squad reached the spot, the programme was over and people had dispersed. Though the permission was taken to conduct a non-political programme, Prakash Rai used it as a platform canvassing for the election. This amounts to violation of the model code of conduct,” Murthy said in his complaint.

The Cubbon Park police have booked Praveen, Abhilash and Prakash Rai under various sections of the Representation of People's Act and also under the Karnataka Police Act.