Port Blair, Mar 06: A complaint received recently from Asst Electoral Officer/Tehsildar, Port Blair, raised concerns about unauthorized deletions in the Electoral Roll via online voter helpline apps. An investigation ensued, revealing false information and resulting in FIR by Andaman and Nicobar Police.
Addressing a press conference in this regard, the Superintend of Police of South Andaman, Niharika Bhatt, IPS said that On 22/02/24, a complaint letter from Asst Electoral officer/Tehsildar, Port Blair addressed to the SHO, PS Aberdeen was received against unknown persons for filling in for deletions of various names listed in the Electoral Roll through online voter’s helpline apps. It was submitted in complaint that during the door to door survey conducted by BLOS for preparation of Electoral Roll, all persons whose name mentioned for deletion in Electoral Rolls through online mode were found alive and residing in the same part.
She added that on the basis of the complaint, a preliminary enquiry was conducted and the enquiry statements of BLO’s were recorded and Form-7 submitted online was obtained. Form-7 is application form for objections for proposed inclusion/deletion of name in existing electoral roll.
It is clearly mentioned in Form -7 that any false statement made in the DECLARATION portion is a punishable offense under Section 31 of the Representation of People Act, 1950. Further, the applicant needs to provide his own details as per rules 13(2) of the Registration of Electors Rules-1960 while raising objection to the inclusion of a name in the electoral roll.
According to the SP, preliminary enquiry based on information provided in Form-7 & BLOS door to door survey revealed that false information was furnished in Form-7 by impersonation, hence an FIR No 40/24, dated 04/02/24, U/s 419 IPC, r.w.s 31 of representation of people Act, 1950 has been registered at PS Aberdeen against users of mobile numbers provided by AERO in his complaint and is being investigated.
She informed that police will take strict action against Electoral Offences.
All are requested to share information pertaining to any Electoral Offense/Illegal activities to Police at 112, 03192-232100, 03192-236641 & 03192- 232400. The identity of the informant will be kept secret.
