Leh Poll Rigging Complaint: Officials Give Clean Chit to Army

NEW DELHI — The Deputy Commissioner of Leh district Saturday expressed satisfaction at the Indian Army’s probe after it found that complaints against the alleged rigging in the system of postal ballots were baseless.

Avny Lavasa, the DC and district election officer for Leh, had earlier written to the Army’s Leh-based 14 Corps saying that a complaint had been received that commanding officers were allegedly indulging in electoral malpractices, asking their jawans about their voting preferences rather than letting them vote directly.

On Friday, the Army said that a preliminary probe had revealed that the allegations were baseless, and an attempt was being made “to tarnish” its image.

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Copy of the complaint Resize

In a letter dated 11 May, Lavasa acknowledged the Army’s letter to her saying a preliminary inquiry was conducted and no violation has been reported.

“The contents of the letter are found to be satisfactory. Any further requirement will be communicated if required,” said her latest letter to the Army.

The Army had Friday said the complaint is being investigated by its Leh Sub-Area General Officer Commanding, a Major General-rank officer.

 “Some political candidates appear to have complained regarding the postal ballot process to be cast by service personnel. No specific instances have been mentioned in the complaints,” Col. Rajesh Kalia, the defence spokesperson in Srinagar, had said Friday.

 “Preliminary investigations indicate that the complaints are unfounded and appear to have been made to tarnish the image of the Army. An in-depth investigation is on to ascertain the details in the most impartial manner,” said Kalia.

 “Army remains apolitical and we hold this core value in letter and spirit,” he added.

he original complaint was filed by a candidate for the Ladakh parliamentary constituency. It voted in the fifth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections on 6 May.