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Bangladeshi National Found on Bengal Voter List Amid Election Revision Drive

A woman named Monju Rani Saha has been found listed on the draft voter list in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district during the Special Intensive Revision exercise. She possesses Indian identification documents but is also a registered voter in Narayanganj, Bangladesh, where she has reportedly cast a ballot. The Election Commission has launched an investigation to determine how her name was included on the Indian electoral roll. If proven, her name could be removed from the final voter list to be published later this month.

Key Points: Bangladeshi Voter on Bengal List Amid SIR Drive, EC Probes

  • Bangladeshi national on Indian draft voter list
  • Possesses Indian Voter ID and Aadhaar
  • Also a voter in Narayanganj, Bangladesh
  • Investigation into dual listing underway
  • Name may be removed from final SIR list
2 min read

Amid SIR drive in Bengal, EC officials stumble upon a voter listed in Bangladesh

Election Commission finds Monju Rani Saha on draft voter list in Bengal while she is also a registered voter in Bangladesh. Investigation underway.

"When micro-observers reviewed the list after its publication, they were astonished by the discovery."

New Delhi, Feb 9

As the Special Intensive Revision exercise nears completion in West Bengal, a Bangladeshi national has been found on the draft voter list, sources in election commission said. It has also been learnt that the woman in question had voted in Bangladesh also.

The voter named Monju Rani Saha, has featured on the draft voter list in Bengal under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). She possesses both Indian voter ID card and Aadhaar card. Accordingly, her name was included in the draft list. However, when micro-observers reviewed the list after its publication, they were astonished by the discovery.

Monju Rani Saha was also found on the Bangladeshi voter list.

She is a voter in Barasat of North 24 Parganas district. According to her Indian Aadhaar card, her address is Rishi Bankim Sarani in Barasat's Hridaypur.

However, her address in the Bangladeshi voter list is Narayanganj Sadar in Narayanganj District. It was learnt that she voted at Narayanganj Girls' School.

An investigation is underway to determine how her name ended up on the Indian voter list.

If the charges are proved against her, the name of the woman could be removed from the final SIR list, which will be published later this month.

According to Election Commission's guidelines, Saturday was the last day for SIR hearings. A request has been made to extend this period, but the Election Commission has not yet announced any decision on the matter as the matter in listed in Supreme Court on Monday, for hearing regarding SIR-related matters.

Yesterday, West Bengal government informed the Election Commission that it can provide 8,505 Group-B officers for remainder of the Special Intensive Revision of the voter list in the state.

A letter has already been sent to ECI in this regard.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Shocking! But let's not jump to conclusions. There could be a genuine case of identity theft or a clerical error. The investigation must be fair and thorough. Hope the Supreme Court hearing brings clarity.
A
Aman W
This SIR drive was much needed. West Bengal has had issues with voter lists for years. Glad the micro-observers caught this. The system is working, albeit slowly. More such checks are required across all border states.
S
Sarah B
As an observer, I think the focus should be on fixing the process, not just removing one name. How did she get both documents? There must be a loophole in the local administration that needs to be plugged.
V
Vikram M
This is why we need NRC across India. Illegal immigration and voter fraud dilute the voice of genuine Indian citizens. The integrity of our democracy is at stake. Jai Hind!
K
Kavya N
While the case is concerning, I appreciate that the EC is taking action. The fact that it was discovered during the revision itself is a positive sign. Hope the investigation names the officials responsible for the lapse.

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