Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Sep 9: A former mayor of the city, Abdul Aziz, was sentenced to two months of imprisonment and levied with a fine of Rs 10,000 relating to a case of violating election code of conduct. Aziz was convicted by the third court of junior magistrate (first class) here through a judgment delivered on Monday September 8.

Judge of the court, Undi Manjula Shivappa, also ordered that the convict will undergo an additional month of imprisonment in case he fails to pay up the fine as ordered.

Assistant election officer, Pravinchandra Karkera, had filed a complaint that Aziz was found to be canvassing for votes at Padavu labour colony in the city by placing election-related materials in his car on May 6, 2008, when election code of conduct was in operation because of assembly election. Aziz was found to have conducted electioneering without obtaining prior permission from the electoral officer as required.

The car was found to be having stock of pamphlets containing the photographs of the national president of Congress party and the then candidate from that party. Printed copies of the manifesto issued by Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee were also found from inside the car, Karkera had said.

On the basis of the said complaint, rural police sub-inspector (crime), Bharati, had investigated the case and filed charge sheet in the court. Assistant public prosecutor, Mohan Kumar, had presented the case and participated in the hearing on behalf of the petitioner.