The Election Commission of India has reportedly ordered an investigation into allegations that foreign nationals, including several Sri Lanka citizens, fraudulently voted in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly Election held on April 23.
According to Indian media reports, the probe follows a police report submitted after authorities arrested ten foreign nationals attempting to board outbound flights from Chennai and Madurai airports.
Airport officials reportedly became suspicious after noticing indelible ink marks on the individuals’ index fingers — a standard indication that a person has cast a vote in India — and alerted police.
Police investigations later revealed that the suspects were nationals of Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
According to police officials, the suspects allegedly used fraudulent Indian identification documents to cast votes during the Tamil Nadu Assembly election.
The Chennai Police stated that the suspects were arrested under nine separate cases and that investigations are currently being handled by the Central Crime Branch.
Authorities also pointed out that under Indian election laws, only Indian citizens who have not obtained citizenship in another country are eligible to register as overseas voters.
Under Section 20A of the Representation of the People Act, non-resident Indians are permitted to vote provided they produce valid original Indian passports at polling stations.
Officials stated that individuals who have renounced Indian citizenship are legally barred from voting in Indian elections.
The report was originally published by National Herald India.
