How did a Pakistani citizen in Kolkata obtain an EPIC card and vote twice?
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Synopsis
Discover the shocking case of Azad Mullick, a Pakistani national arrested in Kolkata, who managed to secure an EPIC card and vote in two elections. As the ED investigates the legitimacy of his documents, the implications for voter integrity and foreign national influence in Indian elections are profound.
Key Takeaways
- Azad Mullick secured an EPIC card allowing him to vote twice.
- The Enforcement Directorate is probing the origins of his documents.
- The case highlights concerns over foreign nationals' voting rights.
- Investigations may impact the upcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal.
- Political parties are reacting strongly to these allegations.
Kolkata, June 11 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate has commenced an investigation into the origins of the documents that allowed Azad Mullick, a Pakistani national arrested in Kolkata in April, to obtain an EPIC card. This card enabled him to cast his vote twice: once in the 2021 West Bengal Assembly election and again in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
Officials familiar with the situation expressed that the ED's inquiry has intensified due to the surprising fact that Azad's EPIC card raised no red flags with the reviewing authorities during the interim updates of the voters' list between 2021 and 2024.
The ED is currently liaising with the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal to gather information on the documents Azad submitted to acquire the EPIC card.
Reportedly, Azad was registered as a voter in the Dum Dum-Uttar Assembly constituency of North 24 Parganas district, which is part of the Dum Dum Lok Sabha constituency. He confirmed this during questioning regarding his participation in the elections in 2021 and 2024.
The topic of foreign nationals voting in West Bengal has become politically sensitive as the state approaches the Assembly elections next year.
Recently, the ECI directed the CEO of West Bengal to investigate a case involving a person who was engaged in a student 'movement' in Bangladesh last year and is listed as a voter in the Kakdwip Assembly constituency of South 24 Parganas district.
This controversy arose after whistleblowers highlighted a photo of Newton Das, a registered voter in Kakdwip, who was involved in the student movement in Bangladesh last year on social media. Both whistleblowers and Das's cousin have alleged that he holds dual citizenship in India and Bangladesh.
The Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, claimed that this case adds to the growing list of corruption allegations against the Trinamool Congress regime, which is reportedly facilitating the registration of Bangladeshi nationals as voters in the state.
The situation surrounding Azad, originally from Pakistan, is further complicated. When he was arrested in early April, ED officials found documents suggesting he was a Bangladeshi citizen residing in India with forged Indian identity documents, including a passport.
However, on April 29, the ED's lawyer informed a special court in Kolkata that Azad confessed during questioning that he was indeed a Pakistani native. He explained how he first obtained Bangladeshi citizenship through fraudulent documents and later secured Indian identity papers in a similar manner.
Point of View
It is crucial to address the complexities surrounding voter registration in India, particularly concerning foreign nationals. The ongoing investigations by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) highlight significant concerns about electoral integrity, emphasizing the importance of stringent verification processes to prevent misuse of the electoral system.
NationPress
14/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EPIC card?
The EPIC card, or Electoral Photo Identity Card, is a government-issued identification for voters in India, ensuring their eligibility to vote in elections.
Why is Azad Mullick's case significant?
Azad's case raises serious concerns about foreign nationals being able to vote in Indian elections, questioning the integrity of the electoral process.
What actions is the ED taking regarding this case?
The Enforcement Directorate is investigating the documents Azad submitted to obtain his EPIC card and is scrutinizing the electoral rolls for any irregularities.
Are there other similar cases in West Bengal?
Yes, there have been multiple allegations regarding foreign nationals being registered as voters in West Bengal, prompting inquiries by the Election Commission.
What are the potential political implications of this investigation?
This investigation could lead to significant political fallout, especially ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, affecting public trust in the electoral system.
