EC orders probe into Rahul Gandhi's declaration of assets

The Election Commission has asked the Returning Officer of Amethi Lok Sabha constituency to probe into allegations against Rahul Gandhi saying that he gave "wrong information" regarding his assets while filing nomination papers in the 2009 polls.

In a letter to Chief Electoral Officer on November 15, the Commission said there have been allegations saying that Gandhi had given "wrong information" relating to his assets and cited a June 2004 letter which said the Returning Officer is the competent authority to look into such complaints.

"Since the affidavit is filed before the Returning Officer, in view of the provisions of Section 195 of CrPC, it is the Returning Officer concerned, who is the competent authority to consider any complaint regarding false statement in the affidavit...," the EC letter said.

The letter written by Principal Secretary R K Srivastava also said if the Returning Officer is satisfied that the affidavit contained false statement, he can take appropriate follow up action.

"The Commission may be kept informed of the action taken in the matter," the letter said.