ECI suspends UP police officers over allegations of voter suppression during bypolls
Lucknow: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has suspended several Uttar Pradesh police officers following allegations of voter suppression during the ongoing bypolls in nine assembly constituencies across the state. This action comes after multiple complaints from opposition leaders, including former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, who shared videos purportedly showing instances of voter obstruction.
The EC took the decision to suspend officers, including those stationed in the Sisamau constituency of Kanpur, based on reports of misconduct. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar had earlier directed district election officers (DEOs) and superintendents of police (SPs) to ensure free, fair, and impartial polling. Officials were instructed to address all complaints swiftly and keep complainants informed via social media updates to maintain transparency.
The suspension was confirmed by Kanpur police, who stated that sub-inspectors found violating election guidelines had been removed from duty. The police emphasized strict adherence to election procedures and pledged action against anyone found obstructing voters.
Leaders of opposition parties, including the Samajwadi Party (SP) and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), accused police personnel of targeting specific communities, particularly Muslims and Yadavs, to suppress votes.
SP leader Akhilesh Yadav demanded the suspension of officers who were allegedly unlawfully checking voter identification documents, including Aadhaar cards. SP candidate from Kundarki in Moradabad, Haji Rizwan, alleged that barriers were set up near polling stations to block Muslim voters. Rizwan also claimed that police officers were casting proxy votes, further intensifying tensions.
AIMIM candidate Arshad Rana accused the police of intimidating supporters of his party and preventing them from voting. He alleged that the administration was deliberately targeting voters who supported the AIMIM. "The police and administration have turned the by-election into a farce," Rana said, claiming that the popularity of AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi had unnerved the ruling BJP.
Several videos circulated on social media showed Muslim men and women being arbitrarily stopped by police personnel near polling stations. Opposition parties claimed that such actions were deliberate attempts to disenfranchise specific voter groups.
SP candidate Tej Pratap Singh Yadav accused the police of harassing party supporters and claimed that voting was deliberately halted at several polling booths.
In contrast, the BJP demanded stricter identity verification measures for burqa-clad voters, alleging instances of "fake voting" in constituencies like Sisamau. The saffron party called for intensified scrutiny to ensure no discrepancies in the voting process.
Bypolls are being held in nine constituencies: Karhal (Mainpuri), Sisamau (Kanpur), Katehari (Ambedkarnagar), Kundarki (Moradabad), Mirpur (Muzaffarnagar), Ghaziabad, Phulpur (Prayagraj), Khair (Aligarh), and Majhawan (Mirzapur). These seats have become a battleground, with multiple allegations of electoral malpractice adding to the political drama.
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Mumbai family deaths: Rat poison ingredient zinc phosphide found in viscera, watermelon sample
Mumbai (PTI): Four members of a family in Pydhonie area of south Mumbai died last month due to rat poison, police officials said on Thursday.
The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report has confirmed the presence of zinc phosphide in viscera (liver, kidney, spleen), stomach contents, bile, and abdominal fat samples of the deceased identified as Abdulla Dokadia (44), his wife Nasrin (35) and their daughters Aayesha (16) and Zaineb (13), said Deputy Commissioner of Police Pravin Mundhe.
"The watermelon sample also tested positive for zinc phosphide, while all other food items were negative. The report will be studied in depth. We will consult forensic doctors. Further probe in the case is underway," the DCP said.
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Zinc phosphide is used primarily as a highly toxic acute rodenticide to control rats and mice.
"The forensic experts who examined the viscera of deceased Abdulla Dokadia, Nasrin (35), Aayesha (16) and Zaineb (13) found traces of zinc phosphide. It is, however, unclear whether the rat poison was consumed accidentally (or on purpose). So far, we have found no strong reason why the whole family would take such an extreme step," another official said.
Further probe is being conducted by the JJ Marg police station, which has recorded statements of kin and neighbours, he added.
The Dokadia family, residents of Ghari Mohalla on Ismail Kurte Road, had hosted a get-together of relatives on the night of April 25. At around 1 am, hours after the guests had left, Abdullah Dokadia, his wife Nasreen, and daughters Ayesha and Zaineb ate pieces of a watermelon.
They suffered severe bouts of vomiting and diarrhoea in the early hours of April 26 and were rushed to a local hospital before being referred to the government-run J J Hospital where all four died during treatment.
