As many as 925 complaints of booth capturing were made during the recent parliamentary and assembly polls, with a maximum 875 complaints received from West Bengal.
Citing Data in Parliament in relation to the unstarred question asked by Shive Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi on the booth capturing complaints received by the Election Commission in the last five year, the number of people arrested, and action taken by ECI with regards to such complaints, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal stated that 14 people arrested who were part of the Booth Capturing. Sharing details in a written reply, he said one complaint was received from Arunachal, 2 from Odisha where simultaneous polls to Lok Sabha and assembly were held.
Minister said that that Chief Electoral Officer, Arunachal Pradesh was instructed to take fresh poll and was further instructed to direct the concerned Returning Officer to initiate swift action/investigation in the case. A case has been registered at Khenwwa Police Station, East Kameng District. The case is under investigation. One person is still under judicial custody.
In relation to Bihar, it was cited that all complaints were found false on verification and were disposed off. In Odisha 12 persons were apprehended and served notice under Section 41 of Criminal Procedure Code. However, a re-poll at two polling stations i.e. 26-Kirasiraand and 28-Maheswarpinda under the 85-Kantamal Assembly Constituency had been successfully conducted
Interestingly, in relation to the 875 complaints registered highest in West Bengal, Union Law Minister noted in parliament that no cases were substantiated against those complaints and were disposed of as per the report of the concerned District Electoral Officer, Superintendent of Police/Commissioner of Police.
Vote for Democracy, Maharashtra also in its report highlighted the Parliamentary Constituencies where booth capturing took place but no affirmative action has been taken by the Election Commission of India till date.
The Answer of the Minister can be read here:
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