The Noida administration has registered FIRs against more than 60 booth-level officers (BLOs) and seven supervisors across three police stations for alleged negligence and ignoring official orders during the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, reported The Indian Express. In Bahraich, two BLOs have been suspended for similar lapses, while a third has been booked following a complaint by a BJP leader.
Over 60 FIRs filed against BLOs in Noida
These FIRs have been filed under Section 32 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950. District Magistrate Medha Rupam, who also serves as the District Election Officer, instructed the Sub-District Magistrates of three assembly segments to file these cases after BLOs reportedly failed to follow directions.
The second phase of the SIR, underway in nine states and three Union Territories, runs through December 4. During this period, BLOs are responsible for distributing and collecting forms and matching voter details with existing records. This time, they must verify elector information during the enumeration itself, unlike the earlier Bihar exercise.
Officials said several BLOs did not report to their assigned areas and continued to ignore repeated instructions and warnings. Four FIRs have been filed so far. Two were lodged in Dadri, naming 18 workers -12 anganwadi workers and teachers in one complaint, and six supervisors in the other. In Greater Noida’s Ecotech Phase 1, an FIR lists 33 BLOs and one supervisor, while in Jewar, another case has been registered against 17 BLOs. All FIRs were filed by SDMs acting as local electoral registration officers.
A statement from the DM’s “War Room” said the action followed clear directions from the Election Commission of India. On Saturday, DM Rupam reviewed progress with Sector and Zonal Magistrates, asking them to ensure the revision work is completed on time and with transparency, reported IE. She reminded officials that BLOs must conduct door-to-door visits and complete Form 6 for new voters and Form 8 for changes or corrections. She warned that any delay would lead to notices, demands for explanations, and possibly salary cuts or disciplinary action.
2 BLOs suspended in Bahraich
In Bahraich, Basic Shiksha Adhikari Ashish Kumar Singh said two primary school staff members assigned as BLOs, headmistress Shama Nafees and assistant teacher Anurag, ignored repeated directions to report for duty during the SIR exercise. Despite written notices and phone reminders, both allegedly refused to carry out their responsibilities.
Meanwhile, a case has been filed against another BLO, Abhishek Singh, after BJP leader Ankit Kumar Singh accused him of misbehaving during a phone call on November 18. The complainant said he had contacted the BLO to ask about the distribution of SIR forms, but the officer allegedly became angry and used inappropriate language. He claimed this incident harmed the party’s image and caused him distress.
The FIR, registered at Visheshnwarganj police station, includes charges related to provoking a breach of peace, intimidation and defamation. Police said the complainant has submitted a call recording and chat messages as evidence.
