Delhi police files non-cognisable report against BJP’s Parvesh Verma for MCC violation

The Delhi Police has filed a non-cognisable report (NCR) against BJP candidate Parvesh Verma for allegedly violating the model code of conduct (MCC) by distributing shoes to people in the New Delhi constituency. This decision comes after the Returning Officer (RO) directed the police to register an FIR against Verma.

A non-cognisable report is filed for offenses that the police cannot investigate or arrest without a court order. Interestingly, just a day earlier, the police had registered an FIR against PWD’s Executive Engineer Sanjay Kumar for allegedly violating MCC by Chief Minister Atishi.

In Verma’s case, the RO received a complaint stating that he distributed shoes to electors at Valmiki Temple near the Mandir Marg police station. Two videos were submitted as evidence, showing Verma distributing shoes to women.

Notably, as per Section 123 of the Representation of People Act, 1951 (1) (A), any gift, offer or promise by a candidate or his agent or by any other person with the consent of a candidate or his election agent of any gratification, to any person, comes under corrupt practices.

Subsequently, the poll officer directed that immediate investigation into the matter may be conducted and appropriate action for the violation of MCC and action under Section 123 of the RP Act may be initiated. The officer further directed SHO Mandir Marg to submit an action taken report (ATR) at the earliest.

Verma filed his nomination from the New Delhi seat on Wednesday and will face former CM Arvind Kejriwal and Congress candidate Sandeep Dixit in the February 5 Delhi election.