The Election Commission of India (ECI) ordered the suspension of six officials on Monday, following an inquiry report filed by the Divisional Commissioner for the Agra Division Teachers' Constituency. The action targeted lapses that occurred at polling stations 20, 21 and 26 on October 23, as the biennial Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council election was conducted in the region.
The suspended officers include O.P. Chak, Sector Magistrate and District Khadi and Village Industries Officer; Inspector Harisharan Singh, Crime Branch, Sector Police Officer; and Sub‑Inspector Sandeep Kumar, Etmaddaula Police Station. From station 26, Sector Magistrate Vishal Rathore, Additional Inspector Purushottam Pal and Sub‑Inspector Sumit Tyagi of Ekta Police Station were also suspended.
The ECI directed the Chief Electoral Officer of Uttar Pradesh to issue charge‑sheets for the six delinquent officials and to forward drafts to the Commission within ten days. It also ordered disciplinary proceedings for 21 other polling officials and 16 police staff deployed at stations 21 and 26.
A total of 152 candidates contested the 11 Legislative Council constituencies that held polling on Friday, including five graduate and six teachers' seats. With the re‑poll underway, the Commission aims to restore electoral integrity while ensuring that any breaches are formally sanctioned. Final charge‑sheet approvals are expected by the end of the ten‑day period, after which the suspended officers may face formal prosecution.