The Kerala government has ordered a probe into allegations that election candidates were duped into paying money on the promise of “hacking” Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to influence 2026 Assembly election results. The decision was taken after Congress leader Rajmohan Unnithan, MP, submitted a complaint to the State police.

Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala directed the cyber operations wing to conduct an investigation after receiving the complaint from the MP during a press conference in Kasaragod.

According to the complaint, ahead of the elections, a Congress leader allegedly approached the party candidates contesting from the Kasaragod, Uduma, and Manjeswaram constituencies. The person is accused of claiming that “the BJP was planning to hack EVMs” and that he possessed “a special technology” to prevent it and ensure favourable election results. On that basis, he allegedly demanded large sums of money from the candidates.

The complaint further alleges that the candidates from the Kasaragod and Uduma constituencies paid the money demanded, while the Manjeswaram candidate refused to do so.

Meanwhile, former Left Democratic Front candidate from Kasaragod, Shanavas Padur, has also made similar allegations. He claimed that a person allegedly using the name of B.M. Jamal, Congress leader and former State Waqf Board CEO, approached him seeking money after allegedly promising to manipulate EVMs in his favour.

Published - August 06, 2026 04:12 pm IST