Is a Cousin's Testimony Key in the ECI's Investigation of a Voter in the Dhaka Uprising?
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Synopsis
The investigation into a registered voter linked to the Bangladesh students' uprising takes a critical turn as a cousin's statement emerges. The case reveals complex ties between India and Bangladesh, dual citizenship claims, and the implications for electoral integrity. What does this mean for voters and the political landscape?
Key Takeaways
- Investigation ordered by ECI into voter registration discrepancies.
- Cousin's testimony raises questions about dual citizenship.
- Implications for electoral integrity and public trust.
- Newton Das's participation in Bangladesh students' movement under scrutiny.
- Potential legal ramifications for voter registration processes.
Kolkata, June 11 (NationPress) The testimony of a cousin plays a crucial role in the investigation mandated by the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding a man who was involved in the Bangladesh students' uprising and is listed as a registered voter in the Kakdwip Assembly constituency of South 24 Parganas district.
The ECI has instructed the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) to look into the situation of the individual, who actively participated in the uprising last year in Bangladesh while being registered as a voter in India.
Tapan Das, the cousin of the individual in question, Newton Das, has informed the media that Newton holds voter cards in both India and Bangladesh.
According to Tapan Das, after completing his studies in West Bengal, Newton relocated to Bangladesh and remained there for an extended period before returning to Kakdwip recently.
“As far as we know, he is a voter in Bangladesh. I have no idea how he managed to obtain an Indian EPIC card,” stated Tapan Das, who is also a registered voter in the Kakdwip Assembly constituency.
A source from the West Bengal CEO's office revealed that the concerned Booth Level Officer (BLO) will meet with Tapan Das on Wednesday to gather more information about Newton Das.
“We will inquire from Tapan Das regarding when Newton left for Bangladesh after finishing his studies and when he returned to Kakdwip. We will also ask if he knows who assisted Newton in acquiring the EPIC card. Based on his responses, further investigation will proceed,” the insider disclosed.
He added that since a cousin of Newton is asserting that he is a voter from Bangladesh, it raises reasonable doubts about the matter.
The controversy came to light after whistle-blowers shared a photo of Newton Das, a registered voter in the Kakdwip Assembly constituency, participating in the student protests in Bangladesh last year on social media.
These whistle-blowers also alleged that Das possesses dual citizenship of India and Bangladesh.
Newton has, however, refuted the claims of holding Bangladeshi citizenship, although he did not deny visiting the country and engaging in the student protests.
He affirmed that he has been a voter in the Kakdwip Assembly constituency since 2014 and cast his vote during the Lok Sabha elections that year.
He explained that he traveled to Bangladesh in 2024 to address issues related to his ancestral property and got involved in the student protests during that time.
Furthermore, he mentioned that he lost his EPIC card, which was issued in 2014, in 2017, and received a replacement card in 2018.
He acknowledged that the Trinamool Congress MLA from Kakdwip, Manturam Pakhira, assisted him in obtaining the new EPIC card.
Point of View
I believe this situation underscores the importance of electoral vigilance. The involvement of individuals with dual citizenship raises questions about the integrity of our electoral processes. It is crucial that the investigation proceeds transparently to uphold public trust in our democratic systems.
NationPress
13/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Tapan Das's statement?
Tapan Das's statement is crucial as it highlights potential discrepancies in voter registration and raises questions about Newton Das's eligibility as a voter in both Bangladesh and India.
How is the ECI involved in this matter?
The Election Commission of India has ordered a probe into the voter registration of Newton Das, who allegedly participated in the Bangladesh students' uprising while being registered in India.
What are the implications of dual citizenship in this case?
The allegations of dual citizenship complicate voter eligibility and could have serious implications for electoral integrity in both countries.
