What Happened to the 40 Voter ID Cards Found Near Union Minister's Residence in MP?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Over 40 voter ID cards were discovered near a minister's residence.
- Many cards were damaged or burnt, indicating potential misuse.
- The district administration is conducting a thorough investigation.
- Concerns about electoral integrity are amplified by this incident.
- The Minister was in New Delhi during the discovery.
Tikamgarh (Madhya Pradesh), Aug 20 (NationPress) A scandal has emerged following the discovery of over 40 voter identity cards discarded near the official residence of Union Minister Virendra Kumar Khatik in Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday.
Reports indicate that these voter ID cards were retrieved from trash situated close to the Minister's residence in the Civil Lines area of Tikamgarh.
Some cards appeared to be burned, suggesting a potential attempt at destruction.
The identity of the individual who first spotted the voter ID cards at the garbage site remains unclear as the investigation progresses.
Sources informed IANS that the Minister’s aide, Vivek Chaturvedi, had alerted the district administration about the discovery.
Chaturvedi has also called for a thorough examination to determine if the voter IDs were misappropriated in any government health initiatives.
Upon notification, a team from the district administration promptly arrived at the scene to confiscate the voter ID cards.
Officials noted that many of the recovered voter ID cards were either severely damaged or charred.
They further indicated that they are investigating the potential misuse of these voter identity cards.
In response to the complaint, Collector Vivek Shrotriya ordered an extensive investigation into how the cards ended up near the minister’s residence.
Tehsildar Satyendra Singh Gurjar stated to the media, "The recovered voter ID cards will be forwarded to the Election Commission's office for further investigation."
Gurjar expressed that the condition of the cards raises significant concerns regarding their possible fraudulent usage.
Investigators are now focused on tracing the origins of the voter IDs, confirming the identities associated with them, and checking for any illegal activities.
It is important to note that senior BJP leader Virendra Kumar Khatik, who represents Tikamgarh in the Lok Sabha, currently serves as the Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment. Sources revealed that he was in New Delhi for the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.