Lucknow, Nov 20 (HBTV): The Election Commission of India (EC) on Wednesday ordered the suspension of two police personnel for violating its guidelines on checking of voters and stopping them from casting votes in the Uttar Pradesh bypolls.

The action came after Samajwadi Party (SP) President Akhilesh Yadav raised the issue, urging the poll panel to act on video evidence showing police personnel hindering voters. Following the directive, district election officers and superintendents of police verified the complaints and suspended the accused personnel for their misconduct.

By-polls are currently underway in the nine assembly seats of Ghaziabad, Katehari, Khair, Kundarki, Karhal, Majhawan, Meerapur, Phulpur and Sisamau.

Taking serious note of social media reports by the Samajwadi Party alleging that certain communities were being barred from voting, chief election commissioner Rajiv Kumar directed Uttar Pradesh election officials to ensure a fair and impartial voting process.

They were told to take immediate cognisance of all complaints, and take prompt action and inform the complainant through social media also by tagging them.

They were warned that no eligible voter should be prevented from voting and that any kind of biased attitude would not be tolerated.

The officials told the poll machinery that strict action should be taken if anyone is found guilty after receiving a complaint.

The Police Commissionerate of Kanpur Nagar suspended the concerned sub-inspectors, Arun Kumar Singh and Rakesh Nadar, for violating the guidelines. In a post on X, it said, “Everyone has been directed to ensure complete compliance with the election process.”