Shillong, Apr 15: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) has written to the state government, demanding an independent and time-bound inquiry into alleged election irregularities during the recent Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) elections.

The party claims that the state government and district administration failed to ensure free and fair conduct of elections, citing incidents of booth capturing, rigging, and vandalism.

The VPP alleges that despite prior intimation and specific requests, the District Election Officer failed to provide adequate security in sensitive areas.

According to the party, incidents of booth capturing and rigging were reported in several polling stations, with miscreants damaging Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in four polling stations.

In its letter to the state government, the party alleges that the VPP’s election agents were allegedly prevented from entering polling stations by musclemen of other contesting parties.

The VPP demanded an independent and time-bound inquiry into the incidents and security lapses.

The party also wants authorities to hold accountable those responsible for security lapses and failure to act despite prior warnings.