Tragic news emerged during the seventh phase of the Lok Sabha election in Uttar Pradesh, where 33 poll personnel succumbed to heat-related conditions.
The scorching temperatures proved fatal for these individuals who were diligently serving across 13 constituencies in the state on Saturday, as reported by Uttar Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Navdeep Rinwa.
Among the casualties were home guards, sanitation workers, and other essential staff members crucial for the electoral process.
Adding to the grim toll, a voter identified as Ram Badan Chauhan collapsed and passed away at a polling booth in the Sikandarpur area of Ballia Lok Sabha constituency, the CEO informed.
The CEO added that Ram Badan Chauhan suddenly fell unconscious while present at the polling booth. Despite immediate medical attention at a nearby health center, they could not revive him.
CEO Rinwa further mandated all District Magistrates to furnish comprehensive reports regarding the deaths of poll personnel in their respective constituencies.
Additionally, district administration officials will submit autopsy reports for the deceased.
Under directives from the Election Commission, families of the deceased poll personnel will receive compensation of Rs 15 lakh, CEO Rinwa assured.
In another tragic incident, a PAC Constable stationed at Ramabai Ambedkar ground in Lucknow, responsible for safeguarding EVMs, tragically passed away on duty.
Confirming the constable’s demise, JCP (Law and Order) Upendra Agarwal acknowledged the availability of cooling facilities for on-duty officers at the site.
The exact cause of the constable’s death will be determined post-mortem.
During the seventh phase, polling took place in Maharajganj, Gorakhpur, Kushinagar, Deoria, Bansgaon (SC), Ghosi, Salempur, Ballia, Ghazipur, Chandauli, Varanasi, Mirzapur, and Robertsganj (SC) in Uttar Pradesh.
The Election Commission had deployed a significant contingent of 1,08,349 poll personnel for election duty during this phase, highlighting the immense logistical challenges and risks inherent in ensuring the democratic process amid challenging conditions.
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