Noida administration files FIRs against more than 60 BLOs for ignoring SIR-related works

New Delhi: The administration in Uttar Pradesh's Noida has registered FIRs against over 60 booth-level officers (BLOs) and seven supervisors who were entrusted with special intensive revision (SIR) related works.

They allegedly neglected and ignored official orders during the works, according to a report by The Indian Express. The FIRs have been filed under the instruction of District Magistrate Medha Rupam, who also serves as the District Election Officer, as the BLOs reportedly failed to follow directions.

In Bahraich, two BLOs have been suspended for the same reasons, and another one has been booked after a BJP leader filed a complaint. At present, the SIR's second phase is taking place in nine states and three Union Territories, and it will continue till December 4. The BLOs have to distribute and collect forms. Moreover, they have to match voter details with existing records and must verify elector information during the enumeration itself.

Many BLOs allegedly did not report to their assigned areas and ignored instructions. As a result, four FIRs have been filed. As per the DM’s "War Room”, the FIRs have been filed following the Election Commission of India's directions. In Bahraich, two BLOs have been suspended for ignoring repeated directions regarding the SIR works.

Meanwhile, a BJP leader named Ankit Kumar Singh has alleged that a BLO has misbehaved with him during a phone call on November 18. Hence, a case has been filed against him. On the other hand, in Bengal, BLOs have allegedly died by suicide due to considerable pressure over SIR-related works. After the recent death on November 22, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took to X and asked, "How many more lives will be lost? How many more need to die for this SIR? How many more dead bodies shall we see for this process? This has become truly alarming now!!" She has written to the CEC, blaming its "unplanned and coercive drive” for allegedly 'endangering lives'.