Evangelist Anil Kumar booked for EC code violation

The evangelist son-in-law of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy was on Monday charged for violation of the Election Commission's model code of conduct.

According to sources, Evangelist Anil Kumar surrendered before the Superintendent of Police Mahesh M. Bhagwat after he was accused of canvassing votes for the Congress at a religious meeting in Khammam.

A criminal case has been booked under 171 (electoral offence) and 188 (disobedience to an order promulgated by a public servant) of the Indian Penal Code.

Last week, at a press conference, Kumar strongly condemned the attack on five Christians who were accused of carrying Rs 1 million which according to some opposition parties were "to be distributed among voters to bring back the Reddy government."

Kumar denied the allegations and said the money was for organising a Christian meeting in Karim nagar. Police investigation found the statement true and returned the money.

The evangelist has also warned the saffron parties on attacking Christians. "People of AP, unlike Orissa or Karnataka, would not keep quiet if such acts are repeated," he said.