Jharkhand poll authorities order probe into voter deletion forms

District election authorities in Godda, Jharkhand, have initiated an inquiry into the submission of Form 7 applications seeking the deletion of voters’ names at Booth No. 9 in Maheshtikri village of Basantrai block. This action follows a report by The Indian Express highlighting concerns raised by Block Level Officers (BLOs) from at least four booths.

Sriman Marandi, the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Basantrai, stated on Wednesday that the Deputy Election Officer (DEO) requested a report, prompting a Block Panchayati Raj Officer to conduct a field inquiry in Maheshtikri. The findings are expected to be submitted by Thursday.

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“The panchayat officer went to the village and spoke to the people,” Marandi told The Indian Express. “The findings will be submitted to the block-level officer, after which the report will be forwarded to the DEO.”

Marandi, who also serves as the Electoral Registration Officer for the block, clarified that the inquiry currently focuses on Booth No. 9. He noted that while there have been discussions about allegations at two to three other locations, no formal complaints have been received regarding those areas.