Darjeeling: Emotional scenes unfolded at the District Magistrate office in Darjeeling after nearly 30 Muslim residents were summoned for hearings during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The hearings took place on February 16, the final day after the deadline was extended. The final voter list will be published on February 28.
Residents said tension rose as several people broke down while presenting documents to prove their Indian citizenship. Many stated they were born and raised in Darjeeling and have voted for years.
A resident from Chowk Bazar alleged that complaints targeted 30 to 35 Muslims. He claimed someone accessed the voter list, identified Muslim names, and filed objections with the Election Commission seeking removal. He said two individuals questioned his citizenship and his brother’s status. He submitted documents during the hearing and stated that his name has appeared on voter lists for years.
A woman from Rockville Road said she received a notice asking her to appear over allegations that she was not an Indian citizen. She said she provided valid documents and affirmed that she was born and raised in the town.
Others reported that their names appeared in earlier voter lists, including in 2002. They described the process as distressing and said they felt targeted based on complaints.
Taushik Ashraf alleged that a person named Sunil Chhetri filed objections claiming around 30 Muslim residents were not citizens. He said authorities disclosed only the complainant’s name and not the address.
Officials overseeing the revision said hearings form part of standard verification. They stated that objections were not limited to one community. According to the administration, officials retained names of those with valid documents and removed those who failed to provide required proof.
