Fake election officials allegedly tilted Panchayat poll results, losing candidate demands probe

FEROZEPUR: Allegations have surfaced regarding two ETT teachers posing as fake election officials during the panchayat elections in the village of Vasal Mohan Ke, Tehsil Guruharshai in Ferozepur. The losing candidate, Makhan Lal, has accused these individuals of manipulating the election results, claiming they rejected 28 of his votes and favoured the opposition party where he lost the Sarpanch election by just five votes.
In this context, Makhan Lal and his supporters have submitted evidence, including video footage, to the Additional Deputy Commissioner Harjinder Singh, demanding a high-level investigation and re-elections. The ADC has confirmed that an inquiry is underway, and action will be taken based on the findings.
The elections, held on October 15, 2024 were marked by irregularities, including a two-hour voting halt. The counting of 916 votes concluded late at night. Allegations suggest that these two teachers claimed to be a part of election staff along with three officials, were present at the booth purposefully to help the opposition candidate during polling and counting of votes in the panchayat elections.
Later, they were identified as Gurmit Singh and Sandeep Kumar, both ETT teachers, employed in government schools in Taran Taran and Ferozepur districts. In the supporting evidences submitted by the complainant to the district administration, these two teachers were seen performing the election duty in Vasal Mohan Ke village in Ferozepur. The complainant also alleged that AAP leader of Guru Har Sahai tempered with the voter list to favour his close aide to win the elections.