Political Kidnapping Attempt Foiled in Arunachal Pradesh
In a shocking incident of political sabotage, police in Arunachal Pradesh successfully rescued a BJP gram panchayat candidate on Tuesday after he was allegedly kidnapped to prevent him from filing his nomination papers. The dramatic rescue operation unfolded in Seppa, the district headquarters of East Kameng district.
The victim, identified as Fungdi Singhi, was an aspirant for the Attarang Segment-II gram panchayat seat when he was forcibly taken away from the deputy commissioner's office premises around noon. His brother, Bado Singhi, filed a formal complaint stating that the kidnapping occurred precisely when Fungdi was about to submit his nomination documents.
Systematic Plot to Derail Democratic Process
According to the complaint, the kidnappers had a clear objective: to prevent Fungdi Singhi from filing his nomination before the Tuesday deadline. The timing of the abduction suggests a calculated move to eliminate political competition through undemocratic means.
Acting swiftly on the complaint, police registered a case under Sections 140(3), 127(2), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and immediately launched an investigation. The complainant was also examined under Section 180 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
Successful Rescue Operation and Investigation
East Kameng Superintendent of Police Kamdam Sikom provided details of the rescue operation. "Police later traced and rescued the victim from a residence in Type-II Colony, where he was allegedly being unlawfully confined," Sikom stated.
The SP confirmed that the victim was taken for medical examination and his statement recorded. "His statement—which corroborated the allegations—was recorded," Sikom added, revealing a significant detail that both the victim and the kidnappers belong to the same clan.
In a major development, police have identified eight suspects involved in restraining the candidate and have issued notices under Section 35(3) of the BNSS requiring them to join the investigation.
Clan Politics and Electoral Competition
Preliminary investigation findings point to a disturbing trend in local politics. Certain village or clan members allegedly orchestrated the kidnapping of Fungdi Singhi specifically to prevent him from entering the electoral fray.
This incident highlights the intense competition and sometimes violent methods employed in local elections, even within the same clan or community. The case has brought attention to the challenges facing democratic processes at the grassroots level in some regions.
The rescue comes ahead of the simultaneous general elections to the Panchayati Raj institutions and municipal bodies in Itanagar and Pasighat scheduled for December 15. The incident has raised concerns about the fairness and security of the upcoming electoral process.
Authorities have assured enhanced security measures for all candidates participating in the democratic process, emphasizing that such attempts to undermine elections will be dealt with strictly according to law.
