The Election Commission of India Saturday initiated prompt and decisive measures following reports of irregularities during recent election-related activities in Samastipur, Bihar, and Tarn Taran, Punjab.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Commission confirmed that investigations and disciplinary actions are underway to uphold the sanctity of the electoral process.
In Samastipur, the Chief Election Commissioner directed the District Magistrate (DM) to conduct an on-site inquiry after Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips related to a mock poll surfaced, raising concerns.
The ECI clarified that these slips pertain to mock polling exercises and emphasized that the overall integrity of the polling process remains intact. Contesting candidates in the area have been duly informed about the situation.
However, the Election Commission took strict cognizance of negligence on the part of the Assistant Returning Officer (ARO) responsible for the polling. The official has been suspended, and a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against him, underscoring the Commission’s zero-tolerance policy toward lapses in election management.
In a separate development, the ECI suspended the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Tarn Taran, Punjab, for allegedly interfering with the conduct of bye-elections.
To ensure unbiased and smooth election proceedings, the Commission has appointed the Commissioner of Police, Amritsar, to take over the jurisdiction, and requested the Punjab government to provide a panel of three officers to assist in maintaining law and order during the polls.