Administration probes Form 7 submissions in Aminabad Bara village and assures no deletions without due process and strict action against those involved
NEW DELHI – A serious concern has surfaced in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut district after an alleged attempt to remove nearly 200 names from the voters’ list, most of them belonging to the Muslim community. The case has caused anger and fear among locals, who say the move appears aimed at weakening Muslim voting rights ahead of future elections.
The issue has come to light in Aminabad Bara village under the Kithaur constituency. According to locals, a single individual submitted Form 7 applications seeking the deletion of around 200 voters from the electoral roll. Many of those listed were shown as dead, even though they are alive and living in the same village.
As news spread, members of the Muslim community gathered to protest, calling the act a clear attempt to target them. “My name is on the list. I am alive, my family is here, yet I was marked dead,” said one resident. “If we had not checked in time, our right to vote could have been taken away quietly.”
Villagers said the pattern of names showed that Muslims were mainly affected. Community elders stated that such actions create mistrust and fear. “Voting is our basic right,” a local elder said. “Trying to snatch it by false claims is an attack on democracy.”
The district administration has stepped in and assured residents that no voter has lost their name so far. Meerut District Magistrate VK Singh said the matter came to his notice through social media posts and public complaints. He confirmed that an inquiry was underway.
“Till now, not a single Form 7 has been approved,” the District Magistrate said. “There is a clear legal process. After a form is submitted, a hearing period of seven days is given. Only after that can any decision be taken.”
He explained that the Kithaur assembly area has 79 booths and that an initial check by the Assistant Returning Officer showed the Booth Level Officer had collected the forms. “It is not clear who handed over these forms to the BLO,” he said. “This aspect is being examined.”
Officials admitted that the action appeared misleading and flawed. The District Magistrate said the Electoral Registration Officer is looking into the matter and that responsibility will be fixed. “If anyone is found guilty, strict action will be taken,” he said.
Muslim residents have demanded transparency and protection. “We want a fair probe and clear answers,” said a young voter. “Such acts make us feel unsafe and targeted.”
Activists say the case shows why close monitoring of voter lists is needed, especially in minority areas. They stress that any attempt to misuse forms to cut names must be dealt with firmly to protect trust in the electoral system.
For now, the administration’s assurance has brought some relief. Still, residents say they will remain alert. “We will keep checking our names,” a protester said. “Our vote matters, and we will not allow anyone to take it away in silence.”
