The Election Commission has ordered a formal investigation into allegations that foreign nationals illegally voted during the Tamil Nadu 2026 Assembly elections, after Chennai police arrested ten foreign nationals in nine separate cases linked to suspected fraudulent voting. The probe began after indelible ink marks were reportedly found on the fingers of several individuals at airports following the April 23 polling.
Arrests Made After Airport Checks
According to officials, airport authorities noticed indelible ink marks on the index fingers of some individuals who were attempting to leave the country soon after polling concluded. The marks raised suspicion and prompted alerts to law enforcement agencies.
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Police said the arrested individuals were nationals of Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom and Canada. They were detained at Chennai and Madurai airports while attempting to board international flights.
Officials said the presence of indelible ink, which is applied during elections to prevent duplicate voting, became a key factor in the investigation. The accused are linked to nine separate cases of alleged illegal voting during the April 23 polling exercise.
Forged Identity Documents Under Scanner
Preliminary enquiry suggests that the accused may have used forged or fraudulent Indian identity documents to take part in the voting process. The Central Crime Branch of Chennai Police has registered cases and is examining identity documents, travel records and voter list entries linked to the suspects.
Election rules allow only Indian citizens to vote. Officials noted that individuals who have acquired foreign citizenship are not eligible to participate in elections. Non-Resident Indians, however, retain voting rights under Section 20A of the Representation of the People Act if they are registered voters and produce valid Indian passports at polling stations.
The investigation will also examine how the foreign nationals allegedly entered the voter list and whether there were lapses in verification procedures at polling booths.
Election Integrity Concerns Grow
The Election Commission has sought a detailed report from state authorities to determine the extent of the alleged irregularities. Security agencies are also examining whether the case is isolated or part of a wider attempt to manipulate the electoral process.
Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage from polling stations and verifying voter turnout records to identify possible inconsistencies. The probe is expected to involve coordination between police, election authorities and immigration departments.
All ten arrested individuals are currently in custody and are being interrogated. Authorities are also examining whether additional individuals or networks helped facilitate the alleged fraudulent voting. Further details are expected as forensic examination of documents and digital records continues.
