The counting of votes for the Nainital Zila Panchayat elections concluded under heavy security and videography. The results have been sealed and will be presented in the High Court on August 18 as per court directives. DM Vandana Singh confirmed that counting for 22 Zila Panchayat members was carried out as per the State Election Commission’s guidelines. Re-polling is only possible in cases of booth capturing, technical glitches, or ballot box damage.
The elections were marred by high drama when five members were allegedly abducted during the voting process for the Zila Panchayat chairperson. The incident occurred near the Panchayat office, leading to chaos and legal intervention. Voting was halted after 12 ballots were cast, and Congress leaders took the matter to the High Court. The court ordered secure voting for 10 members, but the missing five remain untraced.
The abduction, captured on viral videos and CCTV footage, showed raincoat-clad men dragging members and loading them into a vehicle. The opposition accused police of inaction despite their presence, demanding strict action against negligent officers. An FIR has been registered under multiple sections of the BNS, and a search for the missing members is ongoing.
