NEW DELHI, February 24: The Delhi Police have registered a case against more than 50 BJP workers for attempting to disrupt polling and obstructing a public servant on duty in Nangloi on Monday.Former Delhi Chief Minister Sahib Singh was reportedly accompanying the group, but the police have not named him in the the FIR. Verma could not be reached for comment despite repeated attempts.
According to DCP (west) Uday Sahay, on Monday, polling agents of the Rashtriya Janata Dal candidate challenged the validity of one of the votes, allegedly cast by a BJP worker. They complained that the voter was impersonating.When the polling officer intervened, he found that the voter Sunil Kumar had furnished a fictitious address.
The polling agent for BJP candidate then called up the his party office. And a little latter about 50 BJP men stormed into the polling centre at New Era Public School in Nangloi.In his complaint to the Nangloi Police, Sector Officer Man Mohan Krishna, who was in charge of the elections in Nangloi, said that Sahib Singh Verma and other local BJP leaders were accompanying the group. `` Verma was a mute spectator. He should have at least persuaded his men to leave the place,'' said Krishna.
The sector officer also claimed that his personal security officer, a sub-inspector from the Delhi Police, was heckled and assaulted by the BJP men when he intervened.
In the ensuing commotion, Sunil Kumar fled the spot. The police have registered a case of impersonation against him.
A separate case has been registered against the BJP workers who stormed the polling centre. This case has been registered under Sections 186 (obstructing public servant on duty); 353 (assault on public servant); 147 (rioting); 149 (rioting with sharp weapons); 327 (voluntarily causing hurt) and other related sections of the Indian Penal Code.
DCP Sahay says the case has been registered as it is illegal for anyone, -- except voters, election personnel, candidates and their polling agents -- to enter a polling booth when elections are on.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.