EC issues notice to Pragya Thakur on her 'cursed' remarks against Hemant Karkare

Addressing BJP workers in Bhopal on Thursday night, Thakur had claimed that Karkare died during the attacks as she "cursed" him for torturing her. However, after her remarks kicked up a row, she tendered an apology on Friday.

Pragya Singh Thakur

BHOPAL: The Election Commission (EC) issued a notice to Malegaon blast accused and BJP candidate from Bhopal Pragya Singh Thakur over her remarks against police officer Hemant Karkare, who was killed in the 26/11 terror attack, an officer said Saturday.

Noting that Thakur's remarks violate the Model Code of Conduct, District Election Officer Sudaam Khade served the notice on her and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) district chief Vikas Virani and gave them a day's time to file a reply.

The officer also warned of unilateral action in case of non-submission of the reply within the stipulated time.

Addressing BJP workers in Bhopal on Thursday night, Thakur had claimed that Karkare died during the attacks as she "cursed" him for torturing her. However, after her remarks kicked up a row, she tendered an apology on Friday. "We took suo motu cognisance of the statement and sought a report from the assistant returning officer (ARO) on the matter. We got the report this morning and we are going to issue notices, which are returnable within 24 hours, to the organiser of the programme and the person who made the statement," District Election Officer and Bhopal Collector Sudam Khade told PTI. "We are going to send the ARO report to the EC," he said. Khade said that the organiser of the event had been given permission on certain conditions as the model code of conduct was in force. According to another EC official, as per the conditions set before giving permission to the event, use of objectionable language to defame a particular person had been prohibited. Out on bail, Thakur (48) has been discharged by a court on charges under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) in the 2008 case but is still facing trial under other criminal provisions, including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.