Poll staff suspended as ballot paper goes viral on social media

POONCH — District Panchayat Election Officer Poonch on Sunday placed three members of poll staff under suspension after ballot paper for DDC polls was posted on social media in advance.

“On 12-12-2020, polling material to polling parties were distributed for polling in Balakote Block and all the parties received their polling material from their respective distribution venue,” DPEO and Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Rahul Yadav said in an order.

“During late hours in the evening, a picture of Ballot paper for DDC constituency Balakote was posted in advance on social sites. Also, some local news agencies published this on their whatsapp groups,” reads the order, adding, “The returning officer Balakote was contacted and sought a report in this regard.”

The returning officer Balakote investigated matter and through the serial number printed on the ballot paper recognized the polling party with whom the ballot papers lied, the order reads further.

“Keeping in view of above mentioned facts and initial findings, the polling party No: 052(PS Manjakote) and employees namely, Gulzar Ahmed PO, Master, HSS Gunhal Surankote, Asif Iqbal PI, Teacher, GMS Harni Galian Zone Harni, Mohd Yousuf P2, Junior Assistant, HS Kalai are hereby placed under suspension with immediate effect,” the order reads and also announced that District Education Planning Officer Poonch shall enquire into the matter and submit detailed report at an earliest.