Punjab CEO Anindita Mitra warns against BLO harassment: FIRs in Patiala, Barnala

Chandigarh, July 7

Punjab Chief Electoral Officer Anindita Mitra has said that any form of misconduct or harassment against Booth Level Officers (BLOs) engaged in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise will not be tolerated. She said incidents of misbehaviour with BLOs had been reported from Patiala and Barnala districts and were being treated with utmost seriousness.

Mitra said that in Patiala, the Booth Level Officer for Booth No. 113 was allegedly assaulted by a resident of Anand Nagar after seeking information related to the Special Intensive Revision exercise. Following the incident, Tripuri Police Station registered an FIR against the accused under Sections 115(2), 351(3), 221 and 132 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

She further said that in another incident, the Booth Level Officer for Booth No. 103 at Akalgarh Kothe in Dhanaula, Barnala district, was allegedly abused and assaulted by a resident while conducting the Special Intensive Revision exercise. Dhanaula Police Station has registered a case under Sections 132, 221 and 115(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

Mitra directed all District Election Officers across Punjab to ensure adequate safety and security arrangements for Booth Level Officers engaged in the revision exercise.

She also appealed to voters across the state to extend full cooperation to BLOs and help ensure that such unfortunate incidents do not recur.