Kolkata, 9 December (H.S.):

A startling set of figures has emerged from Paschim Medinipur district regarding the ongoing verification of the electoral roll. According to official data, around 44,000 voters have been classified as “absent” or “untraceable,” raising concerns about the accuracy and integrity of the voter list. Authorities are categorising them as “absent voters,” a term used for individuals whose details could not be verified at their registered addresses.

Equally alarming is the rise in the number of deceased voters across the district, which has now reached 84,400. Officials say such a high count clearly indicates the urgent need for a thorough and systematic revision of the electoral roll.

The situation is most critical in Kharagpur, where nearly 25,000 voters have been listed in the absent category alone. According to the official report updated till December 08, Midnapore town accounts for nearly 5,000 absent voters, reflecting widespread discrepancies in the district’s electoral records.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh