The Uttarakhand High Court has summoned the District Magistrate (DM) and the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Nainital to explain the alleged kidnapping and disappearance of five Zila Panchayat members ahead of the recent chairperson election. The court described the episode as “serious and disturbing,” raising questions about law and order in the district.
Court’s Directions
The High Court directed both officials to file detailed reports on the incident, including timelines of when the members went missing, steps taken to trace them, and preventive measures adopted by the administration. The bench also sought the State Election Commission’s opinion on whether the election process should be re-conducted under tighter security to ensure fairness.
The controversy erupted ahead of the August 14 zila panchayat chairperson polls, when opposition parties alleged that five Congress-backed members had been abducted to prevent them from voting. The claims triggered tension across Nainital, with protests breaking out near the collectorate and police stations.
Heightened Security at HC Premises
Amid fears of unrest spilling over into court proceedings, authorities have stepped up security around the High Court in Nainital, deploying additional police forces to maintain peace.
Political Fallout
The alleged kidnappings and subsequent violence in Betalghat during the election process have sparked a political storm. Congress accused the ruling BJP of attempting to manipulate the election through coercion, while BJP leaders countered that the opposition was fabricating stories to cover internal defections.
What Lies Ahead
The High Court is expected to review the DM and SSP’s reports in the coming days before deciding on further action, including the possibility of ordering a re-election. The case has also intensified calls for stricter monitoring of local body elections in Uttarakhand.
