Karnataka poll body orders probe into voter registration form fraud allegations

The Chief Electoral Officer of Karnataka, V. Anbu Kumar, has issued directives to all Electoral Registration Officers across the state to take action against applicants making knowingly false statements or declarations while filing claims or objections related to voter registration.

The order pertains to applications submitted using Forms 6, 6A, 7 and 8, which are standard documents used in the electoral registration process. Form 7, in particular, is used for objections to existing entries in the electoral roll.

The move comes after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramtha Shivakumar raised concerns about potential fraud in the voter registration process, prompting the electoral commission to initiate the investigation.

The directive aims to ensure the integrity of the electoral roll by identifying and taking appropriate action against applicants who deliberately furnish false information during the registration or objection filing process. Electoral Registration Officers have been asked to examine all such cases and initiate necessary procedures against those found guilty of making false declarations.

The action underscores the Election Commission's commitment to maintaining the accuracy and credibility of voter rolls ahead of elections.