A case has been initiated against Jyoti Singh, spouse of Bhojpuri actor and independent candidate Pawan Singh, for purportedly breaching the model code of conduct during the Bihar Assembly elections. The complaint was lodged by Prabhat Kumar, the Sub-Divisional Officer of Bikramganj and Returning Officer for the Karakat constituency. Officials reported that the alleged infraction occurred during an inspection at the Vindhyavasini Hotel at approximately 12:25 a.m. on November 11th. Authorities claimed that several individuals from outside the area were discovered with Jyoti Singh for campaign purposes, despite the official election campaign concluding on November 9th. Officials noted that when the inspection team arrived at the hotel, Jyoti Singh was uncooperative and allegedly obstructed the inquiry.
Consequently, the returning officer submitted a formal complaint, resulting in the registration of an FIR against her. This incident has intensified the already charged political climate in Karakat, where competition among candidates has been fierce. The administration has indicated it will pursue appropriate legal measures in accordance with election regulations to maintain a fair voting process. Nonetheless, Jyoti Singh has vehemently refuted all accusations. In a video message shared on her Facebook page, she alleged that the administration was intentionally targeting her to harass and defame her. Singh asserted that the raid at her hotel occurred without the presence of a female constable, which she claimed violated regulations and was intended to intimidate her.
She characterized the episode as a plot to silence her and alleged that she was subjected to pressure for several hours during the inspection. Her poignant video rapidly gained traction, garnering support from numerous followers and sparking discussions on social media. Following the video’s widespread circulation, Bikramganj Sub-Divisional Magistrate Prabhat Kumar addressed reporters at the Dhangai polling station on Tuesday. His comments drew scrutiny as Election Commission guidelines prohibit any media interaction within 100 meters of a polling location. During his statement, the SDM defended the inspection and warned that legal action would be taken against anyone disseminating falsehoods or misinformation.
This issue has now evolved into a significant topic of discussion in Karakat, where supporters from both sides are accusing one another of power abuse and political favoritism.