MP: Undertrial elected sarpanch without stepping out of jail

Barnagar (Madhya Pradesh): Anwar Kaptan, an undertrial lodged at Barnagar Maulana sub-jail in Ujjain district, has emerged victorious as sarpanch from Jhalariya panchayat. He defeated his nearest rival by 81 votes.

Sub-jail superintendent Mahendra Singh Raghuvanshi confirmed that Anwar was in jail since June 4, 2022, and he never moved out of the prison for campaigning. Even his nomination was submitted by one of his proposers (he was arrested before he could do so).

According to information, there are a total of 1,759 voters in two villages, - Jhalaria and Khedamadhav, which fall under Jhalaria panchayat. In the first phase of polling held on Saturday, there was 90 per cent turnout. Out of a total of 1,589 votes which were cast, Anwar got 655, while his rival candidates Rafique and Naharu got 370 and 564 votes, respectively.

Voters said Anwar represented the village in the state-level kabaddi competition held in 2003 and won the title and brought them laurels. Then after several unsuccessful attempts, he again emerged victorious seven years later.

As villagers were sympathetic towards Anwar, he won the first election. During his tenure, Anwar got many development works done in the village, which further increased the trust of the villagers.

Sikandar Khan, a voter, said that Anwar did service for the village during the pandemic. Along with two Anganwadi buildings, he got borewells constructed and delivered water door-to-door. Roads were alsobuilt under Khet Sadak Yojana.

On June 4, Anwar went to jail but his family campaigned for him. When the results were announced late Saturday night, it was Anwar who turned the tables on his opponents.

Published on: Tuesday, June 28, 2022, 01:40 PM IST