Dhenkanal, Sept. 9: Health and family welfare minister Damodar Rout found himself in a spot following an alleged poll code violation last night.

District sub-collector Anil Pattnaik, who is the election officer of municipal polls here, reported to the state election commission about Rout using the red beacon on his vehicle while campaigning.

“I have already given the report of poll code violation against the minister. There has been a ban on using red beacon by any minister during the time of electioneering,” said Pattnaik.

Last evening, when the minister’s vehicle with the red light flashing was seen at a meeting venue in Dhenkanal, BJP leaders reportedly drew the collector’s attention. The collector then asked the sub-collector to examine the allegations.

The sub-collector said he had gone to the meeting ground and asked the minister to stop using the red beacon as directed by the state election commission. The minister reportedly ridiculed and defied the sub-collector about the law and proceeded to another meeting in the same red-light fitted car. He said Rout used the car not only in Dhenkenal, but also at a meeting in Talcher while campaigning for his party candidates last Friday.

The minister, who is in charge of BJD affairs for undivided Dhenkanal district, rebuffed the allegations.

“I don’t think anybody should teach me about the code of conduct. It was my private vehicle and not a government car. Though it had a red beacon attached to it, I never used it while campaigning,” said Rout.