FIRs Filed Against Private Schools, Staff for Skipping Election Duty in Thane Region
Municipal corporations in the Thane region have taken strict action against private schools and their staff members. They filed FIRs for failing to report for mandatory election duty ahead of upcoming civic polls. This move highlights the authorities' commitment to ensuring smooth electoral processes.
Thane Municipal Corporation Initiates Action
The Thane Municipal Corporation registered an FIR on Sunday. They targeted the principal of a private English medium school in Thane. The complaint was filed at the Kasarvadavli Police Station. It alleges non-compliance with the election commission's order. The school did not send information about staff members available for poll duty.
Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation Follows Suit
On Monday, the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation also registered an FIR. They filed it at the Bajarpeth Police Station against 80 staff members of a private English medium school from Palava in Dombivali. According to KDMC officials, they informed the school staff multiple times through telephone calls. The staff was asked to remain present for election duty.
Despite these reminders, the staff did not attend the training organized for election work. This caused an obstruction in the election process. Assistant Municipal Commissioner Sandeep Rokade registered the offence under section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Municipal Commissioner and Election Officer Abhinav Goyal issued a warning. He stated that legal action will be taken against officers and employees appointed for election duties on January 15 and 16 if they remain absent. An official from KDMC explained the situation further.
"Notices are sent to individuals not reporting to election duty. Most of them report to duty after receiving notices. But we took strict action in this case because the staff collectively did not report. Eighty members is a big group," the official said.
Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation Joins In
The Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation registered a criminal case as well. They targeted 113 staff members from a private English medium school located in Mira Road. These individuals also failed to report for mandatory election duty despite receiving reminders.
An official from MBMC noted that some staff members have now responded after the action. "After action is taken, some of them have now reported that they will be present for the poll-duty," the official stated.
This series of FIRs underscores the importance of election duty compliance. Municipal corporations are enforcing rules strictly to prevent disruptions in the civic poll process. The actions serve as a clear message to all institutions and individuals involved in election responsibilities.
