Cash distributed in Abu Azmi's rally

MUMBAI: A controversy erupted on Monday when cash was distributed among supporters of Samajwadi Party candidate from Mumbai North-West Abu Asim Azmi before he went to the suburban district collectorate to file his nomination.

Onlookers saw Azmi's brother Shahed, distributing wads of currency notes among some participants of Azmi's procession.

Azmi, however, denied the allegation, saying the "question of distributing money does not arise. I don't think such a thing has happened."

Election authorities said they would probe reports that money was distributed during the procession.

"We are checking veracity of the reports that Azmi supporters distributed money during the procession and if needed, will take action," an election official said.

Election officials had recently given notices to sitting Congress MP from Mumbai North and actor Govinda for allegedly giving money to people outside his Juhu residence on Holi day.