THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, February 25: A senior editor of a local evening newspaper, along with five YouTubers and operators of local news channels, has been named in an FIR for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct during the Urban Local Body (ULB) elections in Palamu.
The FIR was lodged on February 24 at the Town Police Station by the BDO Sadar, under the direction of the District Election Officer (Municipality), Sameera S., who is also the Deputy Commissioner of Palamu.
District Public Relations Officer Dr Asim Kumar stated, “These six individuals carried, displayed and published content relating to candidates that is strictly prohibited during the final 48 hours of the Silence Period.”
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With voting scheduled for February 23, the 48-hour Silence Period came into effect from the evening of February 21. During this period, the display or publication of any content favouring a candidate — whether on social media or in print — is prohibited under Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act.
Dr Kumar described the matter as a serious violation of the Model Code of Conduct.
Superintendent of Police Reeshma Ramesan confirmed the development, saying, “An FIR has been lodged against six individuals. The matter is under investigation. It concerns a violation of the Model Code of Conduct.” The complainant in the case is the BDO Sadar.
The FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Representation of the People Act.
