Jharkhand SIR: FIR against four over alleged forged documents used for voter registration

The Jharkhand Chief Electoral Officer, K Ravi Kumar, filed an FIR against four individuals in Barharwa block of Pakur district for allegedly attempting to have their names added to the electoral rolls using what authorities described as forged documents. The four - Rubeida Bewa, Rabi Sheikh, Pintu Sheikh and Sentu Sheikh - were said to have submitted forged residential certificates to the office, purportedly prepared and provided to them by a Common Service Centre operator named Mohammad Salim.

Kumar personally inspected their homes in Ahut village and reviewed the records of their electoral roll registration and submitted documents. Following this, an FIR was registered against the four, while a separate FIR was filed against the operator. Kumar emphasized the importance of maintaining the accuracy and credibility of the electoral rolls, stating that any attempt to manipulate them using fake documents would not be tolerated.

He directed officials to ensure strict legal action was taken against anyone involved in such activities. The Chief Electoral Officer's visit was part of a four-day tour in Santhal Pargana to physically verify complaints and suspected cases related to the State-wide voter registration process. The objective of the State-wide voter registration process was to ensure that every eligible Indian citizen was included in the electoral rolls and that no ineligible or foreign individuals were added.

Kumar stated that every serious complaint related to the electoral rolls would be investigated objectively and impartially to maintain transparency and the integrity of the voter list.