A startling case has emerged from the Bhagalpur district of Bihar, India, where two women who arrived from Pakistan in 1956 have been issued voter ID cards, and their names were also verified in the System for Identification of Residents (SIR). Following an order from the District Magistrate, the process of removing their names from the voter list is underway. Both women are elderly and unable to communicate effectively. This incident has caused surprise amidst the ongoing voter revision campaign in Bihar. The central question is how these women from Pakistan were added to the voter list. This matter came to light during an investigation by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
According to available information, the women came to India on visas in 1956. The Ministry of Home Affairs initiated efforts to locate foreigners who had overstayed their visas. Simultaneously, the presence of two Pakistani citizens in Bhagalpur was confirmed. The District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police of Bhagalpur have been instructed to investigate, verify, and submit a detailed report, including necessary actions. The District Magistrate has initiated the process of removing both names from the voter list.
Both women reside in the Bhikhanpur Gumti No. 3 Tank Lane area of the Ishakchak police station. The district administration has begun the process of removing their names from the voter cards after the issue came to light. Imrana Khatoon’s BLO, Farzana Khatoon, received an order from the district administration to facilitate the name removal. Farzana Khatoon stated that they conducted the verification after receiving instructions from the department. They possess the passport and visa numbers, as well as the EPIC numbers of the women, and the process of removing their names is ongoing.
When media personnel visited Imrana’s residence, the occupants did not open the door and avoided answering questions. Mohammad Gulrez, son of Firdausia Khatoon, stated that no investigation had taken place at their home. The BLO had visited earlier, and all the necessary documents were provided. They have provided eleven documents and have voted every time.
Dr. Naval Kishore Chaudhary, the District Magistrate of Bhagalpur, stated that the names of two individuals were found on the list based on information received. After investigation, the necessary action will be taken by completing Form 7.
