"Agar badmashi kari..." -- an Uttar Pradesh style warning is heard in video that has gone viral
Election observer Ajay Pal Sharma, an encounter specialist from Uttar Pradesh, warned Jehangir Khan's relatives after complaints of "voter intimidation" in Falta.
He also sought an explanation after finding 'more police personnel' than sanctioned numbers were provided for the candidate's security.
Ajay Pal Sharma, known as an encounter specialist, is currently deployed as a police observer in the state for election duty.
Ajay Pal Sharma is currently deployed by Election Commission as a police observer in West Bengal for election duty.
Of course, this year's election campaign which ended yesterday was witness to yet another high drama after an IPS officer on poll duty issued a blunt warning to the TMC candidate over alleged voter intimidation.
Sharma reached the area following complaints from residents that Jehangir Khan of the All India Trinamool Congress was allegedly threatening voters in the Falta constituency.
When Sharma arrived, Jehangir Khan was not present. Locals and even the local police did not initially disclose the location of his residence.
During a search, Sharma and his team traced the house and reached the spot.
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| Security forces carry out a flag march in Ballygunge of Kolkata |
Ballygunj has substantial Muslim population and for a while the TMC toyed with the idea of fielding Mamata Banerjee from the constituency.
Addressing Khan’s relatives at the residence, Sharma issued a stern warning.
"Agar Badmashi Kari .... Make sure he (Jehangir) understands, if there are complaints of people being threatened, we will deal with it properly. If anyone indulges in wrongdoing or tries to harass voters, we will take strict action,” he said.
“Tell Jehangir that repeated complaints are coming that his people are threatening others. If that continues, we will take it up seriously. There should be no complaints later,” he added.
SECURITY COVER UNDER QUESTION
At Jehangir's residence, Sharma found 14 West Bengal Police personnel deployed. When he sought details from the local Superintendent of Police, he was informed that Khan had been given Y-category security with 10 personnel assigned.
Sharma was irked over the discrepancy and issued a notice seeking an explanation for the additional deployment.
The development triggered sharp reactions. BJP leader Amit Malviya said Sharma had “set the tone” and “firmly read the riot act” to the family members of a close aide of Abhishek Banerjee.
“The message is loud and clear: the era of intimidation and impunity is over. Law and order will prevail,” he said.
The incident might have added to the already tense political atmosphere in West Bengal, with authorities under pressure to ensure a free and fair election.
Officials have indicated that any complaint of intimidation or attempts to influence voters will be acted upon strictly as the campaign intensifies.
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This year the metropolitan Kolkata has seen the highest deployment, with 273 companies under its police jurisdiction.
The Election Commission has rolled out unprecedented security measures for the second phase of the assembly polls in West Bengal.
First phase of polling was on April 23 (152 seats) and now for the remaining 142 seats polling will take place on April 23.
Counting of votes will be done on May 4 along with elections held in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
Apart from using drones fitted with cameras for the first time ever in any election a total of 2,321 companies of central forces are being deployed across the state, supported by 142 general observers, 95 police observers, and 100 expenditure observers.
Pointers :
Security personnel will be deployed constituency-wise to ensure voter safety and prevent disruptions.
Motorcycle patrols and increased security presence are planned for sensitive areas.
CCTV cameras will be installed at every polling station to monitor voting.
The Election Commission aims to restore confidence in the electoral process and ensure free and fair polling. Heightened security measures ensured high voters turnout, it is being claimed in many quarters.
ends
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