BEED: In a shocking incident during the assembly elections in Maharashtra’s Beed district, 40 individuals were booked for vandalizing polling booths in Ghatnandur, located within the Parli constituency. The accused reportedly stormed three polling stations armed with sticks and sharp weapons, damaging electronic voting machines (EVMs) and injuring police personnel who attempted to control the mob.
Authorities from the Ambajogai Rural Police Station confirmed that the case involves multiple charges, including physical assault, property destruction, and disruption of the electoral process. This incident occurred amidst broader allegations of malpractice, with opposition parties such as the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) raising concerns over booth capturing and bogus voting.
Probe Ordered by Election Authorities
Responding to widespread allegations, the district collector of Beed has launched an investigation to assess the claims of electoral malpractice. Sources indicate that social media videos purportedly showing EVM tampering and booth capturing have been collected for review. The Election Commission of India clarified that some viral videos circulating are outdated or unrelated to the ongoing elections, further intensifying the controversy.
Opposition Calls for Re-polling
Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), a key ally in the MVA, has vocally criticized the administration, demanding re-polling in the affected areas. The party has shared video evidence claiming electoral misconduct. While the Election Commission has yet to respond to these demands, it assured that every complaint would be thoroughly investigated【7†source】.
Rising Tensions in Maharashtra
This incident highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring free and fair elections in India. Despite a marginal increase in voter turnout in Maharashtra—from 60.71% to 61.33%—concerns over election integrity persist. Authorities now face the dual task of restoring public confidence in the electoral system and ensuring swift justice for the alleged violations.
Web Team, C6N
