No proof of voter intimidation by gangsters in Gurdaspur: DC report to EC

Gurdaspur (The Uttam Hindu): Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab and current Gurdaspur Member of Parliament, had lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission regarding alleged voter intimidation in the Dera Baba Nanak by-election. In his complaint, Randhawa claimed that the mother of notorious gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria was involved in a video conferencing operation, in which the gangster was purportedly instructing voters to cast their ballots in favor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

Following the complaint, the Election Commission directed the Deputy Commissioner of Gurdaspur, Uma Shanker Gupta, to investigate the allegations and submit a detailed report. After conducting a thorough probe, the Gurdaspur DC has now submitted his findings to the Election Commission, stating that no evidence was found to support the claims of gangster-led voter intimidation. The report, which comes after scrutiny of the alleged activities, concluded that there was no proof to suggest that gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria or his associates had threatened voters or tried to influence the election process. With the by-election fast approaching, authorities have assured that no untoward activity would be tolerated and that measures are in place to ensure a free and fair vote.

Randhawa had previously raised concerns over the security and integrity of the election, citing the alleged involvement of criminal elements in the campaigning. However, the DC's report effectively clears the allegations of gangster influence over voters in the Dera Baba Nanak constituency.