Jammu, Nov 11 : The Assistant Commissioner (R) Jammu, who is also the Returning Officer for Assembly Constituency 77-Nagrota, has written to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) J&K, seeking immediate registration of an FIR and departmental action against SDPO City South Jammu, Sunil Jasrotia, for allegedly assaulting and unlawfully detaining an election officer on duty.
According to the communication , the complaint was forwarded after Nodal Officer Transport, Azhar Khan (JKAS), submitted a detailed account of the incident through letter No. BDO/N/2025-26/1536-42 dated 10-11-2025.
The Ro’s letter states that Azhar Khan, who was appointed Nodal Officer Transport for the Nagrota by-election, was supervising the dispatch of polling parties at Government Polytechnic Bikram Chowk on November 10 when he met with a minor accident near the distribution centre.
As per the report, SDPO City South Jammu Sunil Jasrotia arrived at the spot and, despite being informed that Khan was performing official election duty, allegedly began shouting, using abusive language, and threatening him with the intent to obstruct the ongoing election process.
The complaint further states that the SDPO allegedly slapped and kicked the officer “without provocation,” causing physical injury and public humiliation, before detaining him at the police station where he was subjected to further threats and intimidation.
Another official accompanying the Nodal Officer, identified as Abbas Ali (VLW), was also allegedly assaulted and mishandled by the SDPO and his team.
The Returning Officer has termed the incident “a direct attack on the democratic process,” stating that the actions of the police officer amount to criminal misconduct and interference in the lawful duties of election staff.
The letter cites Section 134A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which prescribes penalties for obstruction and misconduct at polling-related locations.
The RO has requested the CEO to initiate strict disciplinary action and recommended immediate FIR registration against the accused officer, stating that such conduct “compromises the sanctity and neutrality of the electoral process.” (KNC)
