10,470 Voter Records Tampered in Pilibhit, FIR Filed Against Election Officials

What Happened

The Chief Electoral Officer of Uttar Pradesh announced that irregularities were found in 10,470 entries of the Pilibhit Assembly constituency’s electoral roll. An inquiry showed a computer assistant entered 13,779 Form 8 correction requests between 31 May and 29 August 2026, but no physical forms were on file. Of those, 10,470 were approved despite the missing documents. The CEO ordered the computer assistant’s dismissal, departmental action against two Electoral Registration Officers, and an FIR against the three officials filed by the Assistant District Election Officer. The CEO also directed a fresh check of all Form 6 additions and Form 7 deletions made from 10 April to 21 October.

Reaction

Complaints surfaced after a Samajwadi Party memorandum and a petition by advocate Faizan Ali Khan, who said his and his brother’s names were replaced with fictitious ones such as “Raees Ali” and “Gufran Aslam.” Congress leader Kumud Gangwar organized 55 volunteers who examined 3.48 lakh voters and flagged 13 150 dubious entries, noting many changes occurred late at night or on holidays. SP spokesperson Udaiveer Singh warned similar checks would be done in about 100 constituencies. BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi defended the roll’s accuracy but said any deliberate tampering must be investigated.

Context

Electoral rolls are updated through a Special Intensive Revision to remove errors before elections. Form 8 is used to correct voter details, and any unauthorized changes can disenfranchise voters and affect election outcomes.