Conmen successfully pulled off a coup on none other than the Election Commission of India this time! The apex poll body had been duped into issuing a fake voter ID to its own chief and also to his deputy in the State before the Assembly elections.
What’s more, the criminals had infused some wit into what could be called the mother of all spoofs, by housing both former Chief Election Commissioner O. P. Rawat and Chief Electoral Officer of Telangana Rajat Kumar at the same address, with the same father’s name! The fraud came to light recently when GHMC, also serving as District Election Office, lodged a complaint with the City Central Crime Station about the same. As per the details provided by GHMC officials, the applications were made online by providing fake Aadhaar IDs and false documents.
Forged Aadhaar cards
“Both Aadhaar cards were forged. They had same number and the same house number in Mehdipatnam. Only photos were changed,” informed an official. Besides, genuine power bills were produced from the address, which were on the owner’s name. The electoral officials apparently did not follow due procedure of door-to-door verification before enrolling them, and both the applications were accepted without scrutiny.
Had the polling slips been utilised, Mr. Rajat Kumar and Mr. Rawat would have voted at BC & Waddera Basthi Community Hall, MG Nagar of Masab Tank, part of Nampally Constituency! The FIR was filed under relevant sections of Representation of People Act and the Information Technology Act, for crimes of forgery and impersonation.
“We have also recommended for initiation of disciplinary action against the Assistant Electoral Registration Officer whose duty it was to verify each applicant’s credentials. The Electoral Registration Officer has been asked to seek explanation from the officials concerned for negligence of duty,” informed the official.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Detective Department) Avinash Mohanty said a case has been registered under sections of Information Technology Act and probe was on to identify the culprits.