• Assam: Presiding officer suspended over gross negligence during LS polls in Karimganj

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    Assam: Presiding officer suspended over gross negligence during LS polls in Karimganj

    The suspension order has been passed following a video clip that surfaced during a mock poll at the polling station. 

    Digital Desk: Due to suspected carelessness and neglect of duty during the election, the Presiding Officer of the Karimganj Lok Sabha Constituency in Assam has been suspended, according to reports that surfaced on Tuesday.

    The person under suspension has been identified as Nazrul Haque Tapadar, a librarian who serves as the presiding officer of Polling Station No. 11, 240 No. Nayadhar L.P. School, under the 125-Patharkandi LAC. 

    A video clip that appeared during a mock poll at the polling place led to the suspension order being approved. It has been stated that Abdul Sahid and Abdul Hameed's polling agents recorded the video on their phones as they were voting in a mock poll. Serious concerns have been raised by the polling station's policy prohibiting the use of phones, smart watches, cordless phones, etc. The Presiding Officer shall additionally guarantee that no voter brings a mobile device into the voting booth. 

    Nazrul Haque Tapadar was apparently found guilty of egregious carelessness while on duty, and as a result, he was suspended.

    "Now, therefore, pending withdrawal proceeding Sri Nazrul Haque Tapadar, Librarian is placed under suspension from service with immediate effect under Rule 6 (1)(A) of the Assam Service (discipline and appeal) Rules, 1964," stated the order issued by the District Election Officer, Karimganj.