Representational image NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered a probe into allegations that foreign nationals of Indian origin “deceitfully” voted in the April 23 Tamil Nadu assembly elections, an official said on Saturday. The ECI’s action follows a report submitted by the police after ten foreign nationals were arrested while attempting to board flights from the Chennai and Madurai airports, PTI reported. According to the police report, airport authorities grew suspicious after noticing indelible ink marks on the index fingers of the passengers and alerted the police. “They had used fraudulent Indian ID documents to cast the votes. The indelible ink was noticed on their fingers when they attempted to fly out,” a police official told PTI. The accused were arrested in nine cases for allegedly casting votes in the assembly polls. Police inquiries revealed that the individuals were from Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, and Canada. As per ECI rules, an overseas elector must be an Indian citizen who has not acquired citizenship of another country. Those who have renounced Indian citizenship are barred from voting. Non-Resident Indians can register as voters under Section 20A of the Representation of the People Act and are required to produce their original Indian passport at the polling booth.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Jhalmuri Reached Here Too?’: PM Modi Invokes Bengal Polls In Netherlands, Lauds Indian DiasporaRampur Court Sentences Azam Khan To 2 Years In 2019 Speech Case, SP Veteran Faces Fresh Legal BlowRG Kar Case Back In Spotlight As BJP MLA Ratna Debnath Calls Mamata Banerjee ‘Head Of Criminals’RG Kar Case Back In Spotlight As BJP MLA Ratna Debnath Calls Mamata Banerjee ‘Head Of Criminals’Delhi Court Grants Robert Vadra Bail In Shikohpur Land Deal Money Laundering Case,ED Probe ContinuesMamata Banerjee Tells Leaders Free To Leave TMC, Vows To Rebuild Party After Bengal Poll RoutJamiat Attacks Bhojshala Verdict, Says Ayodhya Judgment Opened Door To New Religious Site DisputesLiquor Row Turns Political In J&K: BJP Protests Outside Omar Abdullah Residence, NC Defends PolicyIndia-UAE Sign Major Energy Pact As UAE To Store 30 Million Barrels In India’s Strategic Oil ReserveIran Calls Chabahar Port India’s “Golden Gate” To Central Asia, Urges Continued Cooperation123Photostories8 vegetarian foods Indians used before protein powder existed5 adorable pet dog breeds that grow tall and large8 local Indian foods loved around the worldHow to grow Mint endlessly in your balcony garden using kitchen scraps: Simple step-by-step guide for beginnersHuma Qureshi brings Banaras to Cannes in royal purple saree with Riviera-inspired palm motifs5 signs a mother is mentally exhaustedNational Dengue Day 2026: Doctors warn Dengue is now a year-round threat, and families are still missing early signs6 delicious traditional Indian dishes made with rice flour6 signs your child is ready for preschoolJannat Zubair’s home, ‘gilded’ in gold and neutrals, is effortlessly luxurious: Artsy inspirations to take away123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingRishabh PantNEET PaperIPL Points TableNEET Aspirant DieKerala Board SSLC Result 2026IPL 2026IPL Orange Cap 2026Bengaluru RapeWho is Shubham KhairnarIndia UA Trade Talk
NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered a probe into allegations that foreign nationals of Indian origin “deceitfully” voted in the April 23 Tamil Nadu assembly elections, an official said on Saturday. The ECI’s action follows a report submitted by the police after ten foreign nationals were arrested while attempting to board flights from the Chennai and Madurai airports, PTI reported. According to the police report, airport authorities grew suspicious after noticing indelible ink marks on the index fingers of the passengers and alerted the police. “They had used fraudulent Indian ID documents to cast the votes. The indelible ink was noticed on their fingers when they attempted to fly out,” a police official told PTI. The accused were arrested in nine cases for allegedly casting votes in the assembly polls. Police inquiries revealed that the individuals were from Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, and Canada. As per ECI rules, an overseas elector must be an Indian citizen who has not acquired citizenship of another country. Those who have renounced Indian citizenship are barred from voting. Non-Resident Indians can register as voters under Section 20A of the Representation of the People Act and are required to produce their original Indian passport at the polling booth.
