Jamshedpur, September 9: The reported presence of three Afghan nationals on an electoral roll in Jamshedpur East has prompted the election authorities to order a detailed investigation during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists.
According to officials, the names of three individuals — Asil Khan, Mohammad Aslam and Mohammad Ibrahim — were found in the electoral roll linked to Polling Station No. 286 in the Jamshedpur East Assembly constituency.
The entries appeared at serial numbers 30, 31 and 33, respectively, officials said.The Election Commission has directed authorities to examine the circumstances under which the names were included in the electoral roll. The entries have reportedly been removed following the detection of the issue.
Jharkhand Chief Electoral Officer K Ravi Kumar said the reported inclusion of foreign nationals in the voter list was a serious matter.
He said the investigation would establish how the entries were created, what verification process was followed and whether any individuals assisted in the registration.
Authorities have indicated that legal action would be considered against anyone found responsible for irregularities after the investigation establishes the facts.The Jamshedpur Deputy Commissioner and Senior Superintendent of Police have been asked to conduct the probe.
Investigating agencies are also examining the documents and procedures involved in the registration process.The case has raised questions about voter verification mechanisms and whether similar entries involving foreign nationals exist elsewhere in the electoral rolls.
The development has also triggered a political reaction. BJP leaders have alleged that illegal immigrants could be finding their way into voter lists and demanded strict action against those responsible.
These allegations, however, remain subject to verification by the authorities.
The SIR exercise is aimed at reviewing electoral rolls and identifying discrepancies so that eligible voters are accurately represented and ineligible entries are removed.
Officials said the investigation into the Jamshedpur case will determine the circumstances behind the three entries and whether the incident resulted from an administrative lapse, the use of incorrect documents or any deliberate attempt to manipulate the electoral roll.
