Ghatshila by-poll: Control Room comes up to report election malpractices

Jamshedpur: The District Election Officer has urged all citizens to remain vigilant and report any case of bribery or coercion to the District Control Room on the numbers 0657-2440111, 0657-2221717, and 0657-2221718.

Emphasizing the importance of public participation in maintaining electoral integrity, District Election Officer  Karn Satyarthi appealed to voters of the 45-Ghatshila (ST) Assembly Constituency to exercise their franchise freely, fairly, and without fear. He cautioned that any attempt to influence voters through inducements or threats is a serious violation of election laws.

Citing Section 171B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), he noted that offering or accepting gratification in cash or kind to influence voting constitutes a criminal offence, punishable with imprisonment up to one year, a fine, or both. Similarly, under Section 171C of the IPC, any act of intimidation or threat to a voter or candidate is also punishable by law.

To ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process, flying squads have been deployed across the constituency. These teams have been empowered to take swift action against those found engaging in bribery or coercion.

Reiterating his appeal,  Satyarthi said that citizen vigilance and cooperation are essential to ensure a clean, fair, and fear-free voting process in the Ghatshila by-election.