Netizens of Rampur took to social media to allege UP Police of denied Muslim voters from entering voting booths.
The incident happened amidst Bypolls in the state for Lok Sabha MP. The Wire enquired the state police regarding the allegations. The cops responded by stating it was a part of “crowd control”. They also denied any form of bias in their actions.
A video surfaced on the internet from the Dariyal area of Suar constituency in UP. A man can be heard in the video who says he was denied entry in a booth. He also said he was slapped by the police.
Later, the man who uploaded the video was arrested by UP Police.
Other incidents of voter arrests
The incident happened near the State Inter College Booth. Although this isn’t the only case reported. A similar case of vote denial happened in the Kotwali Tanda area of the Suar constituency.
Abdullah Azam Khan, MLA of Suar Constituency, shared videos showing many more Muslims making the same complaints. One of them even said that an officer beat him up.
Samajwadi Party candidate Aseem Raza also had a fight with a few cops. He stated that all voters have equal rights to vote and all must be allowed in the booth.
Police Comments on Muslim Voters denied entry
According to the Wire, Inspector Sharad, who is the Public Relations officer for the Rampur Police, confirmed all the complaints. He said, “These complains are being resolved.”
He went ahead stating that there was no bias. When asked about the social media videos, he said “controlling the crowds.”
He refused to make any statements regarding the arrest of any people who uploaded the videos. He also denied any physical force was implemented on any of the voters.
