Bengaluru: The Election Commission of India is keeping a close watch on all social media to ensure politicians do not act in violation of the model code of conduct.

The commission has hired able allies in civil society members and students who care for the democratic process to keep a watch on the virtual space and ensure the campaign for the May 12 election complies with the code.

Joint Chief Electoral Officer Surya Sen A V said DH several concerned citizens and students were scanning through social media posts for poll code violations.

"Right now, we have about 10-15 students in Bengaluru working with us. Members of the civil society who care about the elections are also volunteering. At the district level, deputy commissioners are also involved," he said.

The commission recruited the volunteers after doing a background check to ensure they are neutral and are people of integrity, Sen said. The chosen volunteers were given a half-day training.

"We are looking out for everything from coupons and promo codes to bitcoins since everyone is now tech-savvy. We also look out for hate speech and messages," Sen said.

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Mangaluru: Three persons, including the owner of a house, were injured when a tree fell on their house near BGS High School near Kavoor on the outskirts of the city today.

The owner of the house Sadananda, his wife Ratna and their daughter were injured. It is learned that a lot of damage has been done to the house.

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In the meantime, MLA Dr. Bharath Shetty, MCC member Sumangala Rao and others visited and inspected the spot.

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