Date:26/12/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/12/26/stories/2004122605330100.htm

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FIR filed against Fernandes for ``violation'' of model code

By K. Balchand

PATNA, DEC. 25. The Muzaffarpur district administration today filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the National Democratic Alliance convener and Janata Dal (United) chief, George Fernandes, charging him with violating the model code of conduct. The allegation was that money was given to a woman who had attempted suicide on Thursday due to poverty.

The District Magistrate, S.K. Mishra, visited the Shri Krishna Medical College Hospital near Muzaffarpur where the woman, Sunita Devi, 40, is undergoing treatment. She had jumped into the Gandak river with her two minor children. Later Mr. Mishra directed the Sub-Divisional Officer, Maharshi Ram, who is the Returning Officer of the Bocchaha Assembly constituency, to file the case against Mr. Fernandes.

Ms. Sunita Devi is alleged to have told the two officials that JD (U) supporters had given her Rs. 500 in the presence of Mr. Fernandes when he came to express his sympathies with her. The District Magistrate has since seized the money.

The FIR lodged at the Ahiyapur police station charged Mr. Fernandes and other JD (U) workers with giving bribe under various Sections of the Indian Penal Code relating to attempt to induce voters.

Mr. Fernandes, who was in his Lok Sabha constituency, Muzaffarpur, on his way to Chapra to attend a party meeting, denied that he had given any money. "No money has gone from my hands nor did I have any money," he said adding the allegations were "a lie".

A week ago, an FIR was lodged against the Rashtriya Janata Dal chief and Railway Minister, Lalu Prasad, for allegedly distributing money to Dalit women in Bihta in Patna district ahead of his rally, which he subsequently called off.