UP bypolls: EC suspends police officers for voter obstruction after Akhilesh Yadav's intervention

ECI

The Election Commission of India on Wednesday took decisive action, suspending two police officers for obstructing voters during the Uttar Pradesh bypolls. The move followed allegations raised by Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav, who shared video evidence showing police personnel allegedly hindering voters from exercising their franchise.

In response to Yadav’s concerns, the ECI directed district election officials and police superintendents to investigate the claims.

Following verification, Sub-Inspectors Arun Kumar Singh and Rakesh Nadar from the Kanpur Nagar Police Commissionerate were suspended for violating electoral guidelines. The Kanpur Police Commissionerate stated on social media that compliance with election protocols was being strictly enforced.

Bypolls were held in nine key assembly constituencies, including Ghaziabad, Karhal, Sisamau, and Phulpur. The allegations stirred a political storm, with reports surfacing on social media accusing officials of targeting specific communities to prevent them from voting.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar instructed election officials to act impartially, addressing complaints swiftly while ensuring no eligible voter was denied their democratic right.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called on the ECI and the Supreme Court to intervene. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Yadav demanded the suspension of police officers captured in videos checking voter identity documents, asserting that law enforcement had no authority to do so.