An 82-year-old man, Purnachandra Dolui, died after he was allegedly pushed by a Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) jawan at a polling booth in Udaynarayanpur, Howrah, on Wednesday. The incident led to the jawan's detention, suspension of voting at the booth, and the registration of a First Information Report (FIR).
Incident Details
According to Udaynarayanpur Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate Samir Panja, the elderly voter had poor eyesight and his glasses were broken. His family informed the polling staff about his condition. Unable to see the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) display clearly, he was reportedly pushed by the jawan, causing him to fall. He lost consciousness and was rushed to a hospital, where he was declared dead.
Response and Action
The CAPF jawan involved was taken into custody immediately after the incident. Voting at the affected booth was temporarily suspended to allow for an investigation. Local authorities have initiated legal proceedings, and the FIR is being investigated to determine the circumstances leading to the tragic death.
The incident has sparked outrage among local political leaders and residents, who are demanding a thorough inquiry and accountability. The TMC candidate emphasized the need for better training and sensitivity among security personnel deployed at polling stations, especially when dealing with elderly and disabled voters.
Election officials have assured that necessary measures will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future. The health and safety of voters remain a priority, and protocols are being reviewed to ensure that all citizens can exercise their franchise without fear or risk.
