Archive · 14 Sep 2026
Jharkhand Man Alleges Officer Tore Papers, Relative Assaulted During SIR
A man in Jharkhand went to a government office about a notice concerning his voter details.
He wanted to know which papers he needed to show.
He says the officer became angry and tore his papers.
He also says a relative named Sajid was hit during the argument.
A video appears to show the officer raising his hand toward a man, but it does not establish what happened next.
Local people protested outside the office.
The officer denied both tearing documents and assaulting anyone.
No formal complaint had been filed by either side.
Arshad Ansari alleged that Circle Officer Abhay Kumar Dwivedi tore documents during a dispute over a voter-verification notice.
Ansari said the notice concerned a discrepancy in his father's name and that he brought identity, electoral-roll and land documents.
He and Sajid alleged that the officer assaulted Sajid during the argument at the Kurku block office.
Local residents protested, while some social-media reports allegedly claimed protesters tried to assault or lynch the officer.
Dwivedi denied tearing papers or assaulting anyone, and no complaint had been filed by either side.
- Who
- Arshad Ansari and his relative Sajid made the allegations against Circle Officer Abhay Kumar Dwivedi, who denied them.
- What
- A dispute over documents requested during the Special Intensive Revision of voter records allegedly involved torn papers and an assault.
- When
- The incident was reported as occurring on Saturday; Ansari said he visited the office on September 12.
- Where
- The dispute occurred at the Kurku block office in Seraikela-Kharsawan district, Jharkhand.
- Why
- Ansari sought clarification about a notice citing a discrepancy in his father's name and asked whether additional documents were needed.
Villager's allegations
Officer's denial
Tearing of documents
Villager's allegations
Ansari said the officer tore the notice and photocopies of his Aadhaar card, voter ID, electoral roll and land records.
Officer's denial
Dwivedi denied that any papers were torn and said officials were helping residents complete the documentation process.
Alleged assault
Villager's allegations
Ansari and Sajid said the officer raised his hand and hit Sajid during the argument; a video appeared to show the officer moving toward a man with his hand raised.
Officer's denial
Dwivedi said no assault took place and rejected the allegations.
Conduct during the protest
Villager's allegations
Protesters and local AJSU leader Ashok Saw said the officer behaved unprofessionally and had previously mistreated people.
Officer's denial
Dwivedi said residents may have been disturbed by the SIR process, urged cooperation and said the dispute should be put to rest.
- Complainant
- Arshad Ansari, a 34-year-old construction worker from Chauda village
- Officer
- Abhay Kumar Dwivedi, the Circle Officer and an Assistant Electoral Registration Officer
- Verification process
- Special Intensive Revision, or SIR, of voter records
- Documents mentioned
- Aadhaar card, voter ID, the 2003 electoral roll and land-related documents
- Additional document
- Ansari asked whether a vanshavali, or genealogy document, was required
- Officer's response
- Dwivedi denied assaulting anyone or tearing documents
- Legal status
- No complaint had been filed by either side