Siliguri voter fraud: Same EPIC number found for two people in different states

A case of voter identity duplication has emerged in Siliguri’s Dabgram 2 Gram Panchayat, where two individuals have been registered under the same EPIC (Electors Photo Identity Card) number. The issue was discovered when Khudiram Pally resident Belal Miyan applied for a loan and provided his voter ID. However, the records showed a different name, leading to further verification. Officials confirmed that the same EPIC number was also assigned to Sheela Devi, a resident of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Belal Miyan, who claims to have voted for 25 years, has raised concerns over the legitimacy of the electoral roll.

Following the discovery, Belal Miyan approached the Dabgram Gram Panchayat No. 2 office to verify the voter list, where the duplication was confirmed. The case has sparked political and administrative concerns, with allegations of discrepancies in the voter database. The Election Commission's guidelines strictly prohibit multiple registrations under the same EPIC number, yet how such an error occurred remains unclear. Officials have not issued a statement regarding whether the duplication resulted from clerical mistakes, data mismanagement, or any fraudulent activity.

Electoral officials are expected to investigate the issue, with questions arising about potential systemic errors in voter registration. The case has also drawn attention to the accuracy of voter databases, especially ahead of upcoming elections. Authorities may conduct a detailed verification process to determine if similar discrepancies exist elsewhere. Meanwhile, Belal Miyan awaits official clarification regarding his voter registration status.