Poonch, Dec 16: Deputy Commissioner Poonch, who is also District Panchayat Election Officer, on Wednesday placed under suspension six employees accused of “booth capturing, tampering of votes and manhandling of INC candidate during penultimate phase of the DDC elections in Menhar area of the district.

In an order, a copy o which lies with GNS, the orders by the DFEO followed perusal of a representation by Sub Divisional Magistrate Mendhar who has submitted contesting candidates namely Parveen Sarwar Khan, Advocate NazirHussain, Ghulam Nabi, Tahir Mirza, Aqib, Haji Mir Mohd and Shaista Zaid have alleged that the six employees actively participated in political activities including booth capturing, tampering of votes and man-handling of INC candidate.

The employees who have been placed under suspension include Afzal Bashir, Medical Assistant, Health Department, Mendhar; Amjit Bashir, Physical Education Teacher, Uraki Mankote; Shahid Bashir, Forest Protection Force; Mohd Mushtaq, Teacher, Middle School Bhatakas Mendhar; Sarfraz Khan, Gang Coolie, PWD Department, Mendhar and Murtaza Ali Mumtaz, Agriculture Assistant Mendhar.

“As per Employee Conduct Rules/Civil Service Rules, no government servant shall take part in politics or any political movement or activity. The active participation of government employee in political activities is against Model Code of Conduct and Representation of People Act.”

The employees have been attached in DC Office Poonch with immediate effect.

Meanwhile, additional District Development Commissioner, Poonch has been appointed as enquiry officer to enquire into the allegations leveled against these officials and submit a report within a week’s time “positively”.