Varanasi Court Directs FIR Against Bhojpuri Star Pawan Singh Amidst Election Malpractice Allegations

In a significant development shaking the post-election landscape, a Varanasi court has issued a directive for the immediate registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against renowned Bhojpuri actor Pawan Singh and three other individuals. The judicial order stems from grave allegations of electoral malpractices that reportedly transpired during the recently concluded 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The complaint, which prompted this decisive court action, was lodged by Nagendra Pratap Singh alias Lalu Yadav, a candidate representing the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) from the Karakat Lok Sabha constituency in Bihar.

Yadav’s petition vividly accuses Pawan Singh, who contested the elections as an independent candidate from the same seat, along with his associates, of engaging in illicit activities aimed at influencing voters.

Specifically, the allegations detail a disturbing pattern of distributing money, liquor, and various other inducements to voters.

These alleged actions are a direct violation of election conduct rules, designed to ensure a free and fair democratic process. Such practices, if proven, undermine the integrity of the electoral system and distort the public mandate.

The court, after meticulously examining the merits of the complaint, concluded that there was sufficient ground to warrant a full-fledged police investigation.

The FIR has been ordered to be registered under stringent sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), specifically Sections 171E and 171F, which pertain to bribery and undue influence or personation at an election. Furthermore, Section 123 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which deals with corrupt practices, has also been invoked, underscoring the serious nature of the accusations.

This judicial directive now places the onus on the police to launch a comprehensive probe into the matter.

The investigation will aim to gather evidence, question the accused, and ascertain the veracity of the claims made by the complainant. The outcome of this FIR and subsequent investigation will be closely watched, as it could have significant ramifications for the individuals involved and send a clear message regarding the adherence to electoral ethics in the country.