Jharkhand Voter Verification Row: CEO Orders Probe Into BLO ‘Kharcha-Pani’ Allegations, Cyber Café Sealed

The Jharkhand Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has ordered an enquiry after a viral video purportedly showed a Booth Level Officer (BLO) allegedly demanding money from villagers during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Garhwa district. The allegations have triggered concerns over the implementation of the voter verification exercise, with residents claiming they were asked to pay to obtain, fill and submit SIR forms.

The enquiry comes amid claims that villagers were charged between INR 50 and INR 100 under the pretext of "kharcha-pani" for assistance with forms that are meant to be processed free of cost. Separately, authorities in Dhanbad sealed a cyber café for allegedly charging people to fill voter enumeration forms. 'Relationship of Wife and Husband Is Based on Trust and Respect': Jharkhand High Court Grants Divorce to Woman, Cites 'Character Assassination' by Husband.

CEO Orders Probe Into BLO ‘Kharcha-Pani’ Allegations, Cyber Café Sealed

The viral video purportedly shows Jamila Bibi, a Booth Level Officer posted in Gorayaband Tola under Khapro Panchayat in Ranka block, demanding between INR 50 and INR 100 from residents for providing, filling and submitting SIR forms.

Instead of directly asking for a fee, she is allegedly heard referring to the payment as "kharcha-pani." When India Today visited the village to verify the claims, several residents alleged that the BLO was demanding money.

Some residents said they had already filled out their SIR forms but were reluctant to submit them because they were being asked to pay. Others claimed they were told to pay in exchange for assistance with the paperwork, despite the process being free of cost.

"The BLO is demanding around INR 50 for filling up the form. If someone objects or refuses to pay, they are threatened, saying, 'We will snatch your citizenship.' We also approached several people, but they told us to let it go," local resident Mohammad Parvez Ansari told the media.

Several people were also seen outside the BLO's residence with completed SIR forms. Villagers said many residents had gathered there to complete the verification process, adding that there was confusion over the submission procedure.

CEO Orders Enquiry

Jharkhand Chief Electoral Officer K Ravi Kumar said a detailed enquiry has been ordered into the allegations. Speaking to Aaj Tak, India Today's sister channel, Kumar said he had directed the Garhwa Deputy Commissioner to submit a report on the viral video.

"We have ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Garhwa to conduct a detailed enquiry into the viral video. Appropriate action will be taken based on the findings," Kumar said. The Election Commission has not yet commented on the authenticity of the viral video.

Cyber Café Sealed in Dhanbad

In a separate development, Dhanbad Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Lokesh Barange confirmed that authorities sealed a cyber café after it was allegedly found charging people to fill enumeration forms under the SIR exercise. "We have received information that some kiosks and cyber-cafes are unauthorisedly carrying out SIR-related work. They are filling enumeration forms after collecting money from people, which is absolutely illegal," he said.

According to the SDM, officials found that some operators were charging as much as INR 500 to complete the forms. "This is a complete commercialisation of election work, which is illegal. The SDM has sealed the outlet. The operators are being traced and all the materials used for the activity have been seized," Barange said.

He also clarified that only authorised election officials, including BLOs, supervisors and designated volunteers, are permitted to assist voters with the enumeration process.

"If people need help in filling the forms or have doubts regarding the SIR exercise, they should approach the BLO, supervisor or volunteer. They should not fall prey to such fraudsters," the official said. He further warned of legal consequences for those knowingly submitting incorrect information through unauthorised channels.

"If someone's name is wrongly included or deleted because they got their forms filled through such unauthorised persons, they themselves may be held responsible. Anyone who deliberately gets their name included despite not being an eligible citizen can face action under the law," he added.

Responding to the allegations, Jamila Bibi denied demanding money and claimed she was being deliberately targeted. She said she had already processed around 170 SIR forms and maintained that anyone could verify her work by speaking to the beneficiaries. According to Bibi, the allegations are part of a conspiracy to malign her.

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise is conducted to update electoral rolls by verifying voter details and ensuring the accuracy of voter lists. Election authorities have repeatedly stated that assistance provided by authorised officials during the process is free of cost.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 10, 2026 05:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).