Ghost Voters Scandal: Deadline for FIRs in West Bengal

The Election Commission has set a February 17 deadline for filing FIRs against officers over fake voters in West Bengal. Despite suspensions and ongoing departmental actions, FIRs have not been filed. The issue arises as part of a Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, slated to conclude soon.

The Election Commission of India has imposed a February 17 deadline for the West Bengal government to register FIRs against four officers. These officers are alleged to have included 'ghost' voters in the electoral rolls of two districts, according to an official statement released on Saturday.

The commission previously suspended two electoral registration officers and two assistant electoral registration officers from Baruipur Purba in South 24 Parganas and Moyna in Purba Medinipur over these allegations. Additionally, orders were given for FIRs to be lodged against them at the respective police stations.

Previously, district election officers had been instructed to file FIRs due to alleged irregularities, such as the unlawful inclusion of names. Although the state government has suspended the officers and initiated proceedings, FIRs remain unfiled, prompting the deadline. The situation coincides with the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal.

(With inputs from agencies.)