Ranchi, July 10: The Jharkhand election authorities have launched an inquiry into allegations of bribery involving a Booth Level Officer (BLO) during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The action follows the circulation of a viral video that allegedly shows the official seeking money from villagers while assisting them with voter enumeration forms.
Chief Electoral Officer K. Ravi Kumar said that the Garhwa Deputy Commissioner has been directed to conduct a detailed investigation into the incident.
He stated that appropriate action would be taken if the allegations are found to be true.
According to the allegations, the BLO, identified as Jamila Bibi, allegedly demanded small amounts of money from residents for distributing, filling and submitting SIR forms.
Some villagers also claimed that people who refused to pay were intimidated.
In a separate enforcement action, authorities in Dhanbad sealed a cyber-café that was allegedly charging members of the public to complete voter enumeration forms.
Officials said election-related services were being commercialised, despite such assistance being provided free of cost through authorised election personnel.
Dhanbad Sub-Divisional Magistrate Lokesh Barange said only authorised officials, including Booth Level Officers, supervisors and designated volunteers, are permitted to assist voters during the electoral roll revision process.
He urged citizens not to rely on unauthorised agents or private centres for election-related work.
Officials also warned that submitting incorrect information through unauthorised channels could lead to legal consequences.
They advised voters to ensure that all details provided during the revision process are accurate and submitted only through approved officials.
Meanwhile, Jamila Bibi has denied the allegations, claiming she has processed a large number of SIR forms without demanding any payment.
She described the accusations as an attempt to damage her reputation and said beneficiaries of her work could verify her conduct.
The Election Commission has not yet confirmed the authenticity of the viral video. The outcome of the official inquiry will determine whether disciplinary or legal action is warranted.
