Bihar Teacher Arrested for Voting Under the Influence in PACS Elections, Strict Action Promised

In a shocking incident in Khagaria, Bihar, a presiding officer for the PACS (Primary Agricultural Credit Societies) elections was arrested for arriving drunk at his assigned polling station and casting a vote in favor of a candidate. The incident took place in the Gogri block area, where Rajeev Kumar, a teacher appointed as the presiding officer, was caught dropping a ballot paper into the box while under the influence of alcohol.

The voting for the PACS elections was held on Friday at Shirnian Kali Sthan, Panchayat Bhawan in Ithari Panchayat. Kumar, visibly intoxicated, was seen placing the ballot paper in the box in support of one of the candidates. The actions were immediately noticed by the supporters of the opposing candidate, who protested and informed the authorities.

Upon receiving the complaint, the Gogri BDO cum Returning Officer Rajaram Pandit and Gogri Police Station Head Ajit Kumar arrived at the polling station. A breath analyzer test confirmed that Rajeev Kumar was indeed drunk. The police arrested him on the spot, and he is now facing strict action. Allegations were raised that Kumar had been favoring one candidate throughout the day, conducting the voting process in a biased manner.

The Gogri BDO cum Returning Officer condemned the presiding officer’s actions, calling it a serious violation of election protocol. A new presiding officer was immediately assigned to the polling station, and Kumar will face suspension and legal consequences, including potential jail time, as per instructions from senior officials.

This incident has raised serious concerns about the integrity of elections and the need for stringent oversight to ensure free and fair voting.