Supporters of the victorious zila panchayat member went on a rampage in Gorakhpur’s Chauri Chaura city on Thursday and set hearth to a police submit after the assistant returning officer (ARO) allegedly gave the successful certificates to a different candidate.
ARO Virendra Kumar has been booked for dishonest, forgery and fraud by police on a grievance from Returning Officer Sunil Kumar. Police have arrested 18 individuals and lodged 4 separate FIRs in reference to the vandalism and arson by the supporters of Kodai Sahni, the successful candidate.
“After Kodai Sahni won the zila panchayat member election from ward no. 61, he was not given the winning certificate. Instead, the ARO have the certificate to another candidate Ramesh Kumar who lost to Sahni by 600 votes. This angered Sahni’s supporters who went on a rampage. They set the Naya Bazaar police outpost on fire, vandalised a PAC bus and six motorcycles, and looted the belongings of police officials posted at the outpost,” mentioned Circle Officer (Chauri Chaura) Kuldeep Tewari.
Officials mentioned the state of affairs was introduced beneath management after Sahni bought the successful certificates.
“Four cases under various IPC sections have been lodged against 60 named and 500 unidentified persons in connection with the vandalism. Based on CCTV footage, we have arrested 18 people and are looking for others,” mentioned the Circle Officer.
According to police, Returning Officer Sunil Kumar filed a grievance with the police towards ARO Virendra Kumar. “We have lodged a case against Virendra Kumar for not giving the certificate to the winning candidate” mentioned the officer. SSP Dinesh P Kumar mentioned strict motion could be taken towards these concerned in arson and sabotage.
