15 July: An FIR has been registered against independent journalist Ajit Anjum in Bihar’s Begusarai district, following the release of a video alleging irregularities in the ongoing voter list revision process in the Sahebpur Kamal Assembly constituency.
The FIR, lodged on July 13 at the Balia police station, was based on a complaint filed by booth-level officer (BLO) Mohammad Ansarulhaq. The complaint accuses Mr. Anjum and his team of spreading misinformation and attempting to incite communal sentiment during the ground reporting for a video published on his YouTube channel on July 12.
In the video, Mr. Anjum is seen investigating the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise being undertaken in the Balia block. The report includes conversations with the BLO and local supervisor, and raises questions over the transparency of the process, alleging that numerous forms were being uploaded without proper verification, documentation, or photographs. The video also highlights that many forms lacked essential details such as names, signatures, and identity proof.
Significantly, the journalist also asserts that more than 80% of the voter forms submitted in Muslim-majority areas had complete documentation. The BLO, in the video, is seen denying allegations that illegal immigrants—specifically Bangladeshis or Rohingyas—were being added to the voter list.
In a statement issued shortly after the video’s release, the district administration described the allegations as “baseless” and “misleading,” asserting that the revision process was being carried out as per the guidelines of the Election Commission of India. It also said the claims were aimed at “inciting public sentiment”.
The Begusarai Superintendent of Police has confirmed the registration of the FIR. According to officials, the case has been filed under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including those pertaining to promoting enmity and dissemination of false information.
Responding to the development, Mr. Anjum, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), said: “An FIR has been filed against me in Begusarai by pressuring a BLO. Watch the video and decide for yourself if I said anything to that Muslim BLO that could possibly disturb communal harmony. When they couldn’t find anything else, they chose this route.”
He further alleged that the administration was attempting to silence him through intimidation instead of addressing the questions raised in his report. “A Muslim BLO is being used as a scapegoat against me… I am still in Begusarai. And if needed, I will take this fight all the way to the Supreme Court. I will not be afraid,” he added.
The video has since gained significant traction on social media, with Mr. Anjum calling upon viewers to “judge for themselves” the veracity of his claims. Legal experts say the case may open a wider debate on the balance between press freedom and the responsibilities of journalists reporting on sensitive electoral matters.
The Election Commission is yet to issue a formal response to the allegations made in the report.
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Anzer Ayoob is the Founder and Chief Editor to The Chenab Times
