Hyderabad police book BJP MP candidate Madhavi Latha for checking IDs, faces of Burqa-clad voters

HYDERABAD: A case has been registered against Madhavi Latha, BJP MP for Hyderabad, following allegations that she demanded proof of ID from burqa-wearing women voters at a polling station in Hyderabad on Monday.

Madhavi Latha, BJP MP for Hyderabad, was observed checking the voter IDs of burqa-clad women at several polling stations in the city. She was also reportedly seen asking burqa-clad women to show their faces.

The case was filed at Malakpet Police Station against Madhavi Latha, the BJP candidate, under sections 171C, 186, 505(1)(c) of the IPC, and Section 132 of the Representation of the People Act.

The charges include obstructing public officers, intent to incite, and misconduct during polling. A video of Madhavi Latha interacting with a burqa-clad woman has gone viral on social media.

The case was registered after a video of her interaction with a burqa-clad woman was shared on social media by a user named Mohammad Zubair. He said, "This is not a 'visit'; this is bullying of voters by the BJP candidate. Who gave her the authority? Has the Election Commission been completely taken over by the BJP?"

The 'X' handle of Hyderabad Collector said, ''A case is registered in Malakpet Police Station against Madhavi Latha, Contesting candidate, BJP under sections 171C, 186, 505(1)(c) of IPC and Section 132 of the Representation of the People Act."

The 'X' handle of Telangana Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) also responded, stating, "The matter has been forwarded to the DEO and Commissioner of Hyderabad Police for investigation. Appropriate action will be taken as per rules."