Jharkhand BLO removed after probe finds evidence of seeking money during SIR

Garhwa, Jul 13 (PTI) A BLO in Jharkhand has been removed from election-related duties after a probe found prima facie evidence that she demanded money in connection with the distribution, collection and digitisation of enumeration forms during the SIR exercise, an official said on Monday. The Garhwa district administration said it would initiate strict disciplinary and legal action against any official or election worker found demanding money, making illegal collections or committing irregularities during the SIR exercise. Garhwa deputy commissioner-cum-district election officer Pashupati Nath Mishra had ordered the inquiry after a purported video surfaced showing the BLO, identified as Kusum Devi, allegedly seeking money in the name of distributing, collecting and digitising enumeration forms, according to an official release. The inquiry was conducted by the assistant electoral registration officer-cum-block development officer (BDO), Dhurki. "The probe report confirmed that the allegations in the viral video were prima facie correct and that Devi had demanded money for SIR-related work. Consequently, the Electoral Registration Officer-cum-Sub-Divisional Officer, Bhavanathpur, recommended relieving her from all election duties," the release said. Mishra said maintaining fairness, transparency and credibility of the electoral process was the district administration's highest priority and asserted that corruption, negligence or any form of misconduct at any level would not be tolerated. The DC also appealed to voters to immediately inform the district administration if any person demands money or commits any irregularity during SIR-2026 so that complaints can be promptly verified and stringent action taken against those found guilty. The enumeration phase in the state began on June 30 and will continue till July 29, during which booth-level officers (BLOs) will conduct house-to-house visits to distribute, collect and verify enumeration forms. PTI COR SAN SAN MNB