Alleges non-disclosure of criminal cases; hearing today
PANAJI
The Congress candidate for the Ponda by-election, Dr Ketan Bhatikar has formally objected to the nomination of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Gitesh Naik alleging that the latter hid a pending criminal matter.
The objection was lodged during scrutiny of nominations on Tuesday and the returning officer has scheduled a hearing for Wednesday at 10.30 am. Bhatikar submitted a written objection, alleging that Naik failed to disclose details of criminal cases and property attachment notices in his affidavit.
According to Congress leaders, Naik is facing cases in Bengaluru and Rajasthan under various sections of the Indian Penal Code. They claim he did not mention these in his election papers.
Congress MLA, Adv Carlos Ferreira said Naik also omitted information about a financial company’s attachment notice on his property in Kavalem, issued in May 2024 after defaulting on a loan of Rs 38.18 lakh.
“Candidates are bound to disclose all pending cases and liabilities. Concealment misleads voters and violates the Election Commission’s rules,” Alvares Ferreira, who is representing Bhatikar in the matter as a lawyer, said.
Naik, however, dismissed the allegations. He said the cases were politically motivated and filed during his earlier contest in 2012. “These are attempts to malign me and divide the Bhandari community. I have challenged the FIRs in court,” he said.
The by-election in Ponda is scheduled for April 9. Three candidates have filed nominations – Dr Ketan Bhatikar of Congress, Gitesh Naik of AAP, and Ritesh Naik of BJP.
The outcome of Wednesday’s hearing will determine whether the AAP candidate remains in the contest.
Election officials said all candidates are required to submit affidavits detailing assets, liabilities, and pending cases. Failure to disclose such information can possibly lead to rejection.
