Bihar SIR: Names of two Pakistani nationals found on voter list, probe launched

The ongoing SIR process in Bihar. (Representative Image)

A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised concerns over infiltration at a rally in Bihar's Gaya, authorities in Bhagalpur district have moved to delete the names of two alleged Pakistani nationals from the electoral rolls and cancel their voter identity cards.

Two Pakistani women who entered India in the 1950s have been found 'registered' as voters in th state, triggering an investigation by the Union Home Ministry.

The women, identified as Imrana Khanam alias Imrana Khatoon and Firdousia Khanam alias Firdousia Khatoon, are said to be from Rangpur village in Pakistan’s Khushab district, Punjab province, and have been living in Bhagalpur despite their visas expiring years ago.

Media reports stated that district election officer Nawal Kishore Singh said an investigation was conducted, and a report from the booth-level officer (BLO) confirmed the two Pakistani citizens’ names were on the voter list. “During initial inquiry, it was confirmed that the two women were natives of Pakistan and had been staying in India illegally," said Nawal Kishore Singh.

“I verified them during the SIR. I received a letter from the department with their passport numbers, which I cross-checked. We have been asked to remove their names. One of their names is Imrana Khanam... She was not in a condition to talk; she is old and unwell. As per the orders of the department, I filled out the form and began the process of removing her name. Her passport is of 1956, and she got her visa in 1958. She is from Pakistan... The next step of the investigation will be carried out by the department... I received a notice from the Home Ministry on 11 August," Booth Level Officer Farzana Khanam said while talking to the media.