EC suspends 20 poll personnel for electoral malpractices in Munger

A total of 20 polling personnel were suspended by the Election Commission on Monday in connection with electoral malpractices in Munger Lok Sabha constituency during the fourth phase of polling on April 29. The Election Commission will always take action against those who are found involved in electoral malpractices and tampering with the EVMs, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Bihar, H R Srinivasa, said.

"Twenty polling personnel, including presiding officers, polling officers, magistrates and police personnel, were suspended for their involvement in electoral malpractices at two polling booths," Srinivasa said, adding, they had also assaulted a journalist covering the elections there on that day. The Election Commission had received complaints from the journalist and others in this regard after which it had ordered an inquiry into the alleged incident, Srinivasa said.

Repolling is being held at both the booths on Monday, a statement issued by the Bihar CEO's office said.

(With inputs from agencies.)