In a concerning development for the electoral process in Himachal Pradesh, two ballot papers were reported missing during a routine inspection for the Khanlag panchayat by-election in Mandi district. The incident has prompted the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against eight polling staff members for alleged negligence.
Details of the Incident
The missing ballot papers were discovered when election officials conducted a thorough check of the polling materials ahead of the scheduled by-election. The inspection revealed that two ballot papers were unaccounted for, raising questions about the security and handling of sensitive election documents.
According to sources, the by-election for the Khanlag panchayat was necessitated due to the resignation of a previous member. The election process was underway, and the missing papers were noticed during a routine verification of ballot boxes and related materials.
Action Taken Against Staffers
Following the discovery, the district election authorities swiftly acted by registering an FIR against eight staffers who were responsible for the custody and management of the ballot papers. The staffers include polling officers and other officials who were part of the election duty team.
The FIR has been lodged at the local police station under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Representation of the People Act, citing negligence and dereliction of duty. The police have initiated an investigation to ascertain the circumstances under which the ballot papers went missing and to determine if any foul play was involved.
Impact on By-election Process
The missing ballot papers have cast a shadow over the by-election process in Khanlag panchayat. Election officials have assured that the integrity of the election will be maintained and that necessary measures are being taken to prevent any recurrence. The by-election may face delays as the authorities work to resolve the issue and ensure that the election is conducted fairly.
Local political leaders have expressed concern over the incident, calling for a thorough investigation and stringent action against those found guilty. They have emphasized the importance of maintaining the sanctity of the electoral process, especially at the grassroots level.
The Election Commission of India has been alerted about the incident, and state election officials are closely monitoring the situation. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
