A Bengaluru court has issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against veteran actor Prakash Raj in connection with a case alleging that he possesses voter identity cards in more than one state.

The case relates to alleged violations of election regulations, which permit an individual to be registered as a voter in only one location across the country.

Allegations relate to multiple voter IDs

According to the complaint, Prakash Raj allegedly holds voter identity cards in four states, including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana.

Election Commission rules stipulate that a citizen can be enrolled as a voter at only one place. If the allegations are proven, it could amount to a violation of election laws.

Complaint dates back to 2019

The matter originated in 2019 when advocate Dileep Kumar filed a complaint at the Halasuru Gate Police Station in Bengaluru.

The complainant alleged that the actor possessed voter identity cards in multiple states. He later claimed that no action was taken on the complaint and subsequently approached the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner as well as the Election Commission of India.

After allegedly receiving no response from either authority, Kumar moved the court seeking legal intervention.

Actor failed to appear before court

The case was taken up by the 48th Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Court in Bengaluru.

Court records indicate that summons were issued to Prakash Raj on two separate occasions directing him to appear before the court. However, he reportedly did not appear on either date.

The repeated absence prompted the court to take further action.

Non-bailable warrant issued

Taking note of the actor’s failure to comply with the summons, the court issued a non-bailable warrant against him.

An NBW authorises law enforcement authorities to arrest the individual named in the warrant. Unlike a bailable warrant, release cannot be secured immediately through a personal bond at the time of arrest.

Further proceedings in the case are expected to follow in accordance with court directions.