Kannur (Kerala), March 28 A public relations department official from the district has been suspended for "prematurely" releasing a complaint related to the Kerala Assembly elections to the media, without authorization, the Election Commission said on Saturday.
The complaint was released to the media on Friday, before the investigation process was completed. This action constitutes a prima facie violation of official duty related to the elections under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Election Commission said in a statement.
It also constitutes a violation of the Election Commission of India's instructions regarding the neutrality of official machinery, the poll panel said.
"The District Election Officer has taken this matter seriously, and the concerned officer has been placed under suspension pending investigation. Necessary arrangements have been made to ensure the continuity of official work," it said.
The complaint alleged that the UDF had defamed LDF's candidate for the Azheekode constituency, K V Sumesh.
