UP: 7 Policemen Suspended After Akhilesh Claims Voters Being Stopped, Beaten Up; EC Takes Action

Akhilesh Yadav shared a video on his social media, alleging that some police officers were "completely acting as BJP workers" in polling stations.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav asked EC to act.

Source : PTI

The Uttar Pradesh Police suspended seven police personnel after Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav alleged that some communities were being prevented from voting in byelections in the state. "The concerned sub-inspectors have been suspended and everyone has been directed to ensure complete compliance with the election process," the Kanpur Nagar Police said.

ट्वीट का संज्ञान लिया गया है। संबंधित उपनिरीक्षकगण को निलंबित कर दिया गया है एवं सभी को चुनाव प्रक्रिया का पूर्ण पालन सुनिश्चित करने हेतु निर्देशित किया गया है। @Uppolice @DMKanpur

— POLICE COMMISSIONERATE KANPUR NAGAR (@kanpurnagarpol) November 20, 2024

Earlier in the day, Akhilesh Yadav shared a video on his social media, alleging that some police officers were "completely acting as BJP workers" in polling stations. "They are threatening the voters and even raising their hands on them. They are also threatening to get beaten up. Along with this, they are trying to show off by pushing even the news channels. Such officers should be identified and suspended immediately," he wrote on X.

Election Commission Directs Officials To Ensure Fair Polls

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar has given strict instructions to the Chief Election Officer in UP and all District Election Officers (DEOs)/Returning Officers (ROs) to ensure fair and smooth voting process, as per sources.

"Take immediate cognizance of all complaints and take immediate action and inform the complainant by tagging them through social media," the poll body has directed to the state officials.

"No eligible voter should be prevented from voting. Any kind of biased attitude will not be tolerated and strict action will be taken if anyone is found guilty on receiving a complaint," it added.

Police and general observers posted in all nine districts have also been strictly instructed to keep a close watch and ensure that the voting takes place in a peaceful and fair manner.

Voting for bypolls in nine assembly seats of Uttar Pradesh picked up pace after a sluggish start, with over 20 per cent voters turning up to exercise their franchise by 11 am. An EC update showed 12.56 per cent turnout in Ghaziabad, Katehari (24.28 per cent), Khair (19.18 per cent), Kundarki (28.54 per cent), Karhal (20.71 per cent), Majhawan (20.41 per cent), Meerapur (26.18 per cent), Phulpur (17.68 per cent), Sisamau (15.91 per cent). An incident of stone pelting was reported in Kakroli village during voting for the Meerapur assembly bypoll following a confrontation between two groups.