SDO to face music for ‘canvassing’

Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Gidderbaha, January 9

The SDM-cum-Returning Officer, Gidderbaha, today recommended disciplinary action against Jaspal Singh, SDO, Water Resources Management and Development Corporation, Malout, who allegedly took part in the election campaign of Hardeep Singh Dimpy Dhillon, SAD candidate from Gidderbaha, at Babanian village on Friday.

The Tribune had highlighted the matter yesterday after an advocate lodged a complaint against the official.

Anand Sagar Sharma, Returning Officer, Gidderbaha, said: “I have sent my report to the District Election Officer, recommending action against the official even as he has denied the charge.” Jaspal Singh said: “I had gone to my uncle’s house to see him as he was not keeping well. When I came out of the house, someone clicked the pictures. There is nothing objectionable in it.”

Jaspal is a junior engineer, with officiating charge of the SDO, and a numberdar. His wife sarpanch of the village.

Sumeet Jarangal, District Election Officer, Muktsar, said, “The recommendation of disciplinary action against the SDO has been forwarded to the Secretary of his department and also to the CEO.”