17 Booked for Social Media Posts During Voting in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh is in the grip of a scandalous case involving 17 individuals who flagrantly violated election norms during the state assembly polls in Vidisha district. The accused not only risked the secrecy of the vote but also brazenly shared their polling booth pictures on social media, creating a potential threat to the sanctity of future elections.

Voting for the 230 assembly seats in the state concluded on November 17, with the eagerly awaited vote count scheduled for December 3. The case came to light after Additional Returning Officer (ARO) Sanjay Chourasia filed a complaint, prompting Madhya Pradesh police to register an FIR under IPC sections 188 and 128 of the Representation of the People Act.

According to Vidisha Collector Umashankar Bhargav, the violation stemmed from the use of mobile phones and cameras within the prohibited zone of the polling booth. The incident sheds light on the lax attitude of election officials present at the station, challenging the disciplinary integrity of elections.

Deputy Collector Harshal Choudhary, shedding light on the investigation, mentioned that mobile phones are strictly prohibited at polling stations. However, the accused surreptitiously used their devices, capturing moments inside the booth and sharing them on social media platforms. The FIR, filed against 17 individuals, not only holds them accountable but also probes into the conduct of those on duty at the booth. The unfolding investigation aims to ascertain the circumstances under which the accused managed to access and use mobile phones within the restricted area.