Dhaval Patel, Ahmedabad District Election Officer and Collector issued a toll-free number for fearless and fair voting on sunday, where citizens can report bribery or voter intimidation. The toll-free number, 1800-233-2367, will be operational 24×7.
According to a press release issued by Anil Dhameliya, the District Election Officer, District Development Officer, and Nodal Officer of the Expenditure Control Cell in Ahmedabad, any person who accepts or gives any bribe in cash or in kind during the election process with the intention of inducing any person to exercise his right to vote shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year, fine, or both under Section – 171 (B) of the Indian penal code.
Furthermore, under Section 171 (c) of the Indian Penal Code, any person who threatens to cause any injury to any candidate, voter, or other person is punishable by imprisonment for a term up to one year, a fine, or both.
A flying squad has been formed to register cases against those who give and take bribes, as well as to take action against those who engage in voter intimidation.