Keonjhar collector recommends suspension of 2 poll officials

Keonjhar:  Keonjhar Collector Ashish Thakare has recommended suspensions of two poling officials for over alleged irregularities at booth no 171 under Ghasipura Assembly constituency in the district.

Action has been recommended against the presiding officer Suresh Chandra Naik and fifth polling officer Judhistira Panda. Besides, a show-cause notice has been served to sector officer for dereliction of duty.

In a video clip, Naik and Panda were purportedly seen influencing a voter inside the booth during third phase polls. The video subsequently went viral on social media.

Later, Odisha Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) had directed the district Collector to conduct a detailed probe into the matter basing on the allegations brought on the basis of the viral video.