Electoral registration officer seeks probe after newspaper alleges fake voter ID distribution
HYDERABAD: G. Rajinikanth Reddy, Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) for the 61-Jubilee Hills Assembly Constituency, submitted a complaint to the election authorities, requesting an investigation and appropriate action.The complaint arequests an investigation probe after a newspaper report alleged that fake voter identity cards were distributed in the Yousufguda area, according to a complaint received on October 6, 20219:10 19.10 IST.
The complaint says the report in the Telugu daily Namasthe Telangana alleged that a local leader was involved in the illegal distribution of forged Elector’s Photo Identity Cards (EPICs), in violation of Election Commission of India (ECI) procedures. The ERO described the matter as “of utmost importance” and asked authorities to launch a “thorough investigation” into the alleged malpractice.
Media reports and police records since then name Jubilee Hills Congress leader Naveen Yadav as the person alleged to have distributed the voter identity cards. Reports say Madhura Nagar police have registered a case and are investigating possible breaches of election norms. These developments were reported by several outlets.
The ERO’s complaint specifically references Yousufguda as the area where the alleged distribution occurred; Yousufguda falls under GHMC’s Circle-19, the same administrative area cited in the complaint.
The complaint asks that the matter be examined in light of the procedures and safeguards set out by the Election Commission, noting that any confirmed irregularity involving voter identity documents could affect electoral integrity. The ECI and the chief electoral officer’s office publish rules for enrolment, issuance and correction of EPICs; any alleged irregular distribution would be examined under those rules and relevant penal provisions.
No charge of guilt has been proved in court. The complaint is a request for investigation and the media reports it refers to are described as allegations; the officer has asked authorities to establish facts and act as required by law.
