Mail News Service
Jamshedpur, Feb 23: Alleging large-scale irregularities, booth capturing and bogus voting in the Jugsalai Municipal Council elections, chairperson candidate Rinku Singh has demanded cancellation of polling at several booths and sought a re-poll under strict security cover.
Addressing a press conference at her election office in Jugsalai’s Chowk Bazar after the conclusion of voting on Monday, Singh claimed that organised attempts were made to influence the electoral process in multiple wards.
She submitted a written complaint to the District Magistrate-cum-District Election Officer, urging immediate intervention and action.
Singh levelled allegations against rival candidate Naushin Khan, stating that her supporters, allegedly acting at the behest of her husband Hidayat Khan, engaged in booth capturing, intimidation, and large-scale bogus voting. She further alleged that Khan, who holds ministerial status as Chairman of the Jharkhand State Minority Commission, visited several polling stations with security personnel and supporters, thereby attempting to influence voters.
According to Singh, disturbances were reported from booths across Wards 01, 02, 05, 06, 07, 09, 10, 11 and 13. She claimed that as early as 8 am, attempts were made to capture booths, authorised polling agents were assaulted and forced out, and bogus votes were cast in large numbers.
At one polling station located in St John’s School, two of her polling agents were allegedly assaulted and confined inside a room.
She stated that although senior district officials visited some of the affected booths around 3 pm and temporarily restored order, her polling agents were again driven out shortly after the officials left.
Singh also alleged that unlawful gatherings within 200 metres of polling stations were used to exert pressure on voters.
Calling the incidents a violation of Sections 58 and 58A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, relating to booth capturing and adjournment or countermanding of polls, Singh said the fairness of voting at the identified booths now stands compromised.
She urged the State Election Commission to order a magistrate-level inquiry, examine CCTV and webcasting footage, deploy additional armed or central forces, and conduct re-polling where malpractice is established.
She also demanded registration of FIRs against those found guilty under relevant provisions of the IPC and election laws.
Copies of her complaint have also been emailed to the State Election Commission in Ranchi and the Election Commission of India in New Delhi.
BJP district president Sanjeev Sinha, who was present at the press conference, echoed the demand for re-polling under paramilitary or CRPF supervision, stating that prior requests for stronger security arrangements were not heeded.
