2 booth level officers booked in Bihar for ‘corruption’, ‘spreading misinformation’

By | July 15, 2025
Booth Level Officer corruption in Bihar during voter roll updates

Two Booth Level Officers (BLOs) in Bihar are under investigation for serious misconduct during the Special Summary Revision (SSR) of electoral rolls. One officer in Gaya was filmed accepting a bribe, while another in Begusarai gave false information about the revision process on a news channel. These cases have sparked concern over voter list accuracy and electoral integrity.

Gaya BLO Caught Accepting Bribe

In Gaya, BLO Gauri Shankar was recorded on video accepting a bribe from a local resident. The incident occurred during the ongoing SSR, which updates voter rolls before upcoming elections.

The video quickly went viral online. The Gaya District Magistrate responded by removing Shankar from his post. Authorities registered a First Information Report (FIR) against him under:

  • Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act
  • Sections 173 and 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)

The district magistrate also recommended Shankar’s permanent suspension from all future election duties. His recorded actions raised serious doubts about the fairness of the voter registration process in the district.

Begusarai BLO Spread False Information

Meanwhile, a BLO from Begusarai—who also teaches at a local school—made misleading claims on a television channel. He misrepresented the goals and procedures of the SSR campaign, potentially confusing voters.

After the interview aired, the Electoral Registration Officer began reviewing the forms this BLO had collected. The Begusarai district administration suspended him. A probe is now examining how much damage his misinformation caused.

What Is the Special Summary Revision (SSR)?

The SSR is a yearly process by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to:

  • Add eligible new voters
  • Correct errors in voter data
  • Remove names of deceased or ineligible voters

Booth Level Officers play a key role in this revision. They visit homes, collect forms, and ensure accurate data entry. If BLOs misuse their authority, the integrity of voter lists is compromised.

Political Reactions and Public Response

The incidents triggered a strong reaction from political parties and civil society. Several leaders criticized the state administration and ECI for failing to monitor BLOs closely. They expressed concern that corrupt BLOs could help manipulate voter lists by adding ineligible names or deleting valid ones.

In response, the Election Commission promised strict action. A senior official stated, “We do not tolerate corruption. Every officer must act with integrity, especially during voter roll updates.”

Electoral Implications of These Cases

While these cases involve only two individuals, their consequences could affect thousands of voters. BLOs are often the only point of contact for many rural residents unfamiliar with online systems.

These cases reveal critical issues in the system:

  • Inadequate oversight of field officers
  • Lack of transparency in voter form handling
  • Limited public awareness about their electoral rights

If voters lose faith in the process, their participation in elections may decline. That would harm the foundations of India’s democratic system.

Steps Taken by the Election Commission

The Election Commission has already directed all districts in Bihar to:

  • Review all voter forms submitted during the SSR
  • Re-train BLOs on proper conduct and procedures
  • Launch local helplines to handle voter complaints quickly

Officials are also exploring the use of third-party audits and community oversight to reduce manipulation risks.

Need for Reform at the Grassroots

These events highlight a systemic problem. The BLO system must become more accountable and transparent. District administrations should strengthen their checks and make BLOs answerable not just to officials, but to the public.

Voters should also know how to report corruption. Campaigns promoting awareness could help people recognize red flags and alert authorities quickly.

Conclusion

The recent cases in Gaya and Begusarai reveal deep-rooted flaws in the current voter registration process. Although the Election Commission acted swiftly, such incidents point to a broader issue—lack of accountability at the grassroots level.

As Bihar prepares for upcoming elections, restoring public trust in the electoral system must become a top priority. Strengthening the BLO framework, ensuring transparency, and empowering citizens will be key to preserving democratic values.