CEO's warning on bogus cards

MADURAI, NOV. 25. The `door-to-door' verification of the Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) issued during the on-going phase in the Saidapet Assembly constituency in Chennai where the allegations of `bogus cards' had been made, is nearing completion.

Disclosing this to newsmen here today, Mr. Mrutyunjay Sarangi, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), said the Chennai District Collector, who had been asked to carry out 100 per cent verification of the identity cards to ascertain the veracity of the allegations levelled by a few political parties on the issue of bogus cards in Saidapet segment, was expected to submit his final report to the CEO before November 30. He also asked the political parties not to encourage the voters, who had no `local identification' to go for photo session. ``The Election Commission views the issue of bogus cards seriously,'' he warned.

The recent enquiry into the allegations on the issue of bogus identity cards in Saidapet Assembly segment, had revealed that six per cent of the card holders, who received their cards from four Designated Photography Locations (DPL) in Saidapet, could not be traced to the addresses furnished in the forms. Mr. Sarangi said the six per cent voters also could have shifted their residences. He, however, said the matter had been handed over to the police to conduct an enquiry and trace the persons concerned. ``If the cards are found to be bogus, criminal action would be initiated against the guilty,'' he warned.

He said he would initiate necessary steps to identify the person, who had committed mischief in the photo identity card of a woman voter in Kumbakonam. The card reportedly bore the name of the voter with a suffix of `The stupid.'

While expressing satisfaction over the entire EPIC process in the State, the CEO said that he was providing all facilities for 100 per cent coverage for the issue of cards. ``It is upto the people to come forward and utilise the opportunity,'' he said.

Of the three crore cards issued, very few were found to have some technical mistakes which also could be rectified before the final revision of the rolls. No mistake was deliberate, he said and added that revenue staff under the guidance of all Collectors were doing good job.

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Section  : Southern States
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