Poll-Related Clashes and Violations Disrupt Marathwada Civic Elections
Marathwada region witnessed significant unrest during the recent municipal corporation elections. Five cities faced a series of poll-related incidents over a 24-hour period from Wednesday to Thursday. Police registered multiple FIRs and one non-cognisable offence across Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Latur, Parbhani and Nanded Waghala.
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Sees Stone Pelting and Group Clashes
Tension erupted at the Bharat Nagar polling booth area in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Thursday. Unknown assailants damaged three vehicles completely through stone pelting. These vehicles were deployed for pick-and-drop of supporters belonging to Shiv Sena district president Rajendra Janjal.
Police sources confirmed the incident caused alarm among nearby voters. Authorities have not registered an FIR yet because no formal complaint was lodged until Thursday evening.
The Naregaon area of the city remained tense following group clashes between supporters of two rival political parties on Wednesday. Police acted swiftly by registering two FIRs against members from both groups.
Police commissioner Pravin Pawar stated that officers arrested six accused in connection with these two FIRs. He emphasized that police are maintaining close vigil and will crack down on anyone disrupting peace or threatening law and order.
The city police conducted a route march throughout Thursday to prevent further escalation and reassure voters. Authorities also deployed drone patrolling to monitor sensitive booths across Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
Latur Police Book Man for Distributing Sarees to Voters
In Latur, superintendent of police Amol Tambe reported one person faced booking after being caught allegedly distributing sarees to women voters. The incident occurred late on Wednesday while the individual was seeking votes for a candidate.
Police took action following a complaint by the static surveillance team. Authorities registered an FIR at the Shivajinagar police station.
Jalna Records Voting Fraud Attempt
Jalna police reported polling-day violations as well. Superintendent of police Ajay Kumar Bansal confirmed that a non-cognisable offence was registered after a person was caught casting a vote on behalf of someone else.
Police detained the individual for questioning. Further legal action will depend on the findings of the inquiry.
Parbhani Authorities Seize Cash in Voter Influence Case
Parbhani superintendent of police Ravindrasingh Pardeshi stated that police registered one FIR against a man for allegedly distributing money to influence voters. During the action, officers seized Rs 25,000 from the accused.
The case is currently under investigation to determine whether others were involved in the scheme.
Nanded Waghala Registers Two Separate FIRs
Nanded Waghala police registered two separate FIRs during the same period. Superintendent of police Abinash Kumar explained the details.
The first FIR was registered at the Nanded Rural police station against a person caught on video allegedly distributing money to influence voters.
The second FIR was registered at the Vimantal police station after two candidates and their supporters got into a scuffle and abused each other during campaigning.
Heightened Police Vigilance Across Municipal Corporations
Police across all five municipal corporations remained on high alert throughout polling day. Authorities intensified patrolling, conducted route marches, and deployed surveillance teams.
These measures aimed to ensure free and fair elections while enabling swift action against any violations. The coordinated police response demonstrated a firm commitment to maintaining electoral integrity across Marathwada region.
