Pune: Independent Candidate Vinayak Ovhal Issued Notice for Failing to Submit Election Expenses
Chinchwad, 15th November 2024: Independent candidate Vinayak Sopan Ovhal, contesting the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections from the Chinchwad constituency, has been issued a notice for failing to submit his election expenses during both the first and second expenditure inspections. The notice was issued by Assistant Election Returning Officer Anil Pawar, who directed Ovhal to submit his daily election expenses within 48 hours of receiving the notice.
Ovhal, who has already been in the news for other controversies, did not comply with the election expenditure reporting requirements during inspections conducted on 9th and 13th November 2024. This failure is a violation of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. The notice further warned that if Ovhal does not submit his accounts within the stipulated 48 hours, action will be taken under Section 177 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, as well as applicable provisions of the Representation of the People Act.
The Assistant Election Returning Officer also reminded all candidates in the Chinchwad constituency to submit their election expenditure accounts by 18th November 2024 at the Election Expenditure Control Room.
Ovhal Arrested for Setting Election Officer’s Car on Fire
In a separate incident, Vinayak Ovhal was arrested for allegedly setting fire to the car of Assistant Election Returning Officer Anil Pawar. The incident occurred just 12 days ago, and the fire was quickly extinguished, though the vehicle suffered damage. Ovhal, who is visually impaired, was arrested by Kalewadi Police. Preliminary investigations suggest that Ovhal’s frustration stemmed from his repeated requests for government benefits being denied. He was reportedly accompanied by two others, Nagesh Kale and Ajay Gaikwad, during the incident.
