UP Bypolls: Policeman With Revolver Stopped Voters From Reaching Booths: Akhilesh Yadav Alleges, Shares Video

Amid allegations of electoral misconduct during the bypolls for nine Uttar Pradesh Assembly seats, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav has shared a video showing a police officer threatening women with a revolver. The officer is identified as the Station House Officer (SHO) of Kakrouli police station in Muzaffarnagar's Meerapur Assembly segment. Mr Yadav has demanded the officer's immediate suspension.

In the video, a woman confronts the officer, stating, "You don't have the order to fire." The officer, holding a revolver, insists, "we have the orders," while she stands firm, asserting that his actions are unjust. The reason behind this confrontation remains unclear. Mr Yadav posted on X, urging the Election Commission to suspend the SHO for intimidating voters and preventing them from voting.

Allegations and Accusations

The Samajwadi Party has accused police of obstructing voters in Meerapur. They claim that officers are misbehaving with voters and using force on women at booth number 318 in Muzaffarnagar's Mirapur constituency. The party has called on the Election Commission to ensure fair voting practices are upheld.

The bypolls have intensified tensions between the ruling BJP and the Opposition Samajwadi Party. Akhilesh Yadav has repeatedly alleged that police are intimidating voters. In contrast, BJP state president Bhupendra Chaudhary accuses the Opposition of deploying goons and mafia figures out of desperation.

मीरापुर के ककरौली थाना क्षेत्र के SHO को चुनाव आयोग तुरंत निलंबित किया जाए, क्योंकि वो रिवॉल्वर से धमकाकर वोटर्स को वोट डालने से रोक रहे हैं। @ECISVEEP @SECUttarPradesh@rajivkumarec@spokespersonECI@ceoup#ECI#YouAreTheOne#IVoteForSure#UPPolitics#SamajwadiParty pic.twitter.com/WfiygzqO0t

— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) November 20, 2024

Police Response and Actions

Earlier today, Kakrouli village witnessed rioting and stone-pelting between two groups. Police intervened with force to restore order and conducted a march to maintain peace. Senior Superintendent of Police Abhishek Singh reported that two groups clashed near a polling booth, necessitating mild force to disperse them.

Following these events, two sub-inspectors on duty in Meerapur were suspended after being accused of blocking voters. Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinwa stated that five officers have been suspended overall. He emphasized that only poll staff inside booths should check voter IDs, not police outside.

Ensuring Fair Voting

The Chief Electoral Officer assured action against any complaints of police checking voter cards or hindering voting rights. This response came after Mr Yadav's allegations about police interference in voter identification processes at polling stations.

The situation highlights ongoing tensions and challenges in ensuring free and fair elections in Uttar Pradesh. Both political parties continue to exchange accusations amid efforts to maintain electoral integrity during these crucial bypolls.