M A I N   N E W S

Criminal complaint filed against Joshi, kin in dual votes case
PK Jaiswar
Tribune News Service

Amritsar, February 25
The district administration today filed a criminal complaint against Punjab Local Bodies Minister Anil Joshi and eight members of his family for having enrolled as voters at two different places.

The complaint by Additional Deputy Commissioner Pardeep Sabharwal has been filed under Section 31 (read with Sections 17 and 18) of the Representation of People Act in the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate PS Rai.

The minister, his mother Pushpa Joshi, wife Monica Joshi, his brother Vijay Joshi, Rajesh Joshi, Varinder Joshi, Poonam Joshi, Mamta Joshi and Jyoti Joshi have been asked to appear in the court on the next hearing on April 9.

Deputy Commissioner Ravi Bhagat confirmed the development, but declined to share any further details in connection with the case. He merely said the action was initiated as per directions of the Election Commission of India (ECI).

The controversy came to the fore after two city-based advocates and Congress leaders Sandeep Gorsi and Vaneet Mahajan approached the ECI alleging that the minister and his family members have got themselves enrolled as voters in two constituencies-Amritsar and Tarn Taran. They alleged Joshi concealed the fact of dual vote from the Election Commission while filing his nomination for the 2012 Assembly elections.

On January 27, the ECI issued a notice to the CEO, Punjab, seeking a report on the action taken against Joshi and his family members in connection with the case. It asked the CEO to file a complaint against them under Section 31 of the Representation of People Act, 1950. Seeking a report in 30 days, it also recommended disciplinary action against the Electoral Registration Officer and others responsible for the lapses. The CEO had directed the Deputy Commissioner to file a complaint after taking legal opinion from the District Attorney.

In the dock