The Supreme Court reprimanded the CBI for its transfer petition seeking to move post-poll violence cases from West Bengal to another state. The court took offense to statements in the petition that alleged a hostile environment in West Bengal courts, deeming them scandalous and directing the CBI to withdraw the petition.
A clash between Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supporters in Saran, Bihar, on May 21 left two dead and one injured. The violence erupted after RJD candidate Rohini Acharya visited a polling booth and got into an argument with some people. Following the clash, the police opened fire, killing one person on the spot and another in the hospital. A third person is undergoing treatment in Patna. The incident has led to allegations of foul play by Ms. Acharya, who claims that the BJP is attempting to undermine democracy. The Saran Police have suspended the Internet for 48 hours and detained two people in connection with the incident.
To ensure the safety of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in light of post-poll violence, officials in various districts of Andhra Pradesh have bolstered security measures at strongrooms. District Collectors and Superintendents of Police have instructed Central Armed Police Forces, Armed Reserve, and Law and Order police to maintain strict vigil at these facilities.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed the Director General of Police to apprehend all individuals involved in the post-poll violence in Andhra Pradesh. Incidents of violence have persisted in the state for three days since polling concluded. The ECI emphasizes the gravity of the events at Tadipatri, Macherla, Chilakaluripet, and Chandragiri Assembly Constituencies, according to Chief Electoral Officer Mukesh Kumar Meena. The ECI has instructed the police to file cases against those who damaged EVM machines. They are prohibited from citing ‘unknown persons’ as perpetrators because video footage from polling stations can identify the responsible individuals. Police officials and election staff who neglected their duties will face severe punishment. Arrests have already begun, targeting both direct perpetrators and instigators. Police presence has been increased at 715 locations, and Section 144 of the CrPC has been implemented in specific areas as needed.
Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai has been booked under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for posting alleged misleading content about the post-poll death of a woman in Cuddalore district. The Srimushnam police filed the case based on a complaint of posting false information on social media.
