The Rabale police in Navi Mumbai have taken decisive action by registering a First Information Report (FIR) against a man for allegedly intimidating, pressuring, and defaming a senior official overseeing the civic election process. This incident has cast a shadow over the electoral proceedings of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC).
Details of the Election Disruption
The complaint was formally lodged by Kalpana Gode (43), a deputy district collector who was appointed as the Returning Officer for the Ghansoli ward. According to the police, the accused individual, identified as Rajesh Jaiswar, engaged in a series of actions aimed at obstructing the official duties of the public servant.
Senior police inspector Balkrushna Sawant confirmed that the alleged offences took place between December 30 and January 2 at a community centre located in Sector 7 of Ghansoli. Jaiswar has been booked under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for obstructing a public servant and using criminal force to deter her from performing her official responsibilities.
Accused Absconding After Incident
Investigations reveal that the accused was operating as a supporter of a candidate from the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). Following the registration of the FIR, Jaiswar has reportedly gone absconding, and police teams are actively working to locate and apprehend him.
The seriousness of the act was underscored by NMMC commissioner Kailas Shinde, who stated that such behaviour constitutes a clear violation of the Model Code of Conduct. He emphasized that such actions pose a direct threat to the integrity and fairness of the entire election process, which is fundamental to democratic governance.
Implications for Electoral Integrity
This case highlights the challenges faced by election officials on the ground and the critical importance of protecting them from coercion and intimidation. The swift filing of the FIR by the Rabale police sends a strong message against attempts to undermine electoral authority. Ensuring a free and fair election environment remains a top priority for the administration as the NMMC election process continues.
