Guwahati: A Manipur Congress candidate Lamtinthang Haokip along with one of the party workers was arrested for allegedly assaulting a public servant, and violating the Representation of People’s Act on Monday.
Haokip is contesting assembly-election from the Saitu seat in Kangpokpi district of Manipur.
They were charged with multiple offences under the Indian Penal Code and the Representation of Peoples Act, including common purpose assault on a public servant while doing his or her duties.
A complaint has already been submitted by the presiding officer of the New Keithelmanbi Upper Primary School voting station.
As per reports, voting was interrupted at around 10 a.m. after violence erupted at the polling place. Security personnel had to fire three rounds into the air to disperse the crowd.
Reports further stated that at around 9.30 a.m., Congress supporters and Haokip members stormed the voting booth, armed with deadly weapons, and damaged the EVM and other polling equipment.
The Manipur BJP also filed a complaint with the state’s Chief Electoral Officer, requesting an FIR be lodged and Haokip and his associates arrested.
Meanwhile, Congress denied the arguments after Haokip’s unconditional release was asked. A letter was also issued to the state’s CEO by the party.
Sharing the news on Twitter, Former Union Minister and Congress leader Jairam Ramesh wrote, “INC Candidate from 51-Saitu @DrLamtinthangHk was arrested unjustly when he went to New Keithelmanbi Polling stn to ensure free & fair elections, to stop BJP from malpractices. We demand his unconditional & immediate release! This is murder of democracy by Union Home Minister & CM.”
INC Candidate from 51-Saitu @DrLamtinthangHk was arrested unjustly when he went to New Keithelmanbi Polling stn to ensure free & fair elections, to stop BJP from malpractices. We demand his unconditional & immediate release! This is murder of democracy by Union Home Minister & CM pic.twitter.com/CX0zoGZ399
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) February 28, 2022