Authority ordered probe into EPIC snatchings in Tripura

Agartala, Feb 01 (UNI) Tripura Election department today asked the Dhalai district magistrate and police superintendent to probe into the incident of alleged snatching of electronic photo identity cards (EPIC) from the voters in remote parts of the district.

Chief Electoral Officer G S G Ayyanger told mediapersons here that some unknown miscreants have allegedly snatched away about 40 EPICs from voters at Gandacherra and Longtarai Valley sub-divisions on January 27.

''About 18 EPICs from Sachindra Roajapara of Chawmanu constituency and 25 EPICs from Rimavalley were also forcibly taken away from a banned militant outfit at Dalapati area,'' Dr Ayyanger informed.

He said the department has ordered a probe, both by police and civil administration, into the incident.

Police suspect it as the handiwork of BNCT cadres.

A case has been registered and investigation was launched to nab the culprits, police said.

Meanwhile, the ruling Left Front has alleged that the Opposition Congress and INPT have been mobilising the outfits for their vested interests ahead of February 23 Assembly polls.

However, Dr Ayyanger assured that the authority would take steps to ensure the exercise of votes of the persons, whose EPICs had been snatched, after thorough investigation.

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