Case filed against BJP candidate for checking Muslim voters' ID cards, asking them to lift burqa

In a controversial turn of events during the voting for the Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat on Monday, May 13, the spotlight fell on BJP candidate Madhavi Lata as she allegedly checked the identity cards of Muslim women at a polling booth in Azampur. The incident, captured on video and widely circulated, quickly ignited a storm of criticism and drew official scrutiny.

Hyderabad Collector confirmed that a case had been registered against Madhavi Lata at Malakpet Police Station under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Representation of the People Act.

Addressing the incident, Hyderabad Collector stated, "A case has been registered against BJP candidate Madhavi Lata at Malakpet Police Station under sections 171C, 186, 505 (1) (C) of the Indian Penal Code and section 132 of the Representation of the People Act."

AIMIM, led by Asaduddin Owaisi, lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission. Owaisi, who won the previous Lok Sabha elections with a significant margin, condemned the incident, while AIMIM leader Waris Pathan called for strict action from the Election Commission, asserting, "BJP candidates from Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat are openly insulting Muslim women voters at various polling stations."

This isn't the first time Madhavi Lata has stirred controversy. Earlier in April, she found herself embroiled in another contentious incident when a video purportedly showed her symbolically aiming an arrow at a mosque during a Ram Navami rally. Despite subsequent apologies and claims of misrepresented footage, the incident further fueled the ongoing debate surrounding her candidacy. Reacting to the viral video, Lata took to Instagram, stating, "I would like to clarify that this is an incomplete scene. If anyone's sentiments have been hurt, I would like to apologize because I respect everyone."