Jharkhand CEO Orders Probe into Allegations of MLA Using Fake Identity
Jharkhand's Chief Electoral Officer has ordered an investigation into allegations that sitting JMM MLA Dashrath Gagrai used a fake identity to contest elections. A formal complaint, supported by an affidavit, claims the three-term Kharsawan MLA is actually Ramkrishna Gagrai, the elder brother of the real Dashrath Gagrai. The Seraikela-Kharsawan Deputy Commissioner will conduct the probe. The MLA has dismissed the allegations as baseless, claiming they are politically motivated by a complainant with a criminal record.
Unpacked:
The complainant, Lalji Ram Tiu, is an ex-serviceman who has previously filed allegations against political figures. The MLA and media sources note that Tiu has a criminal record, including a conviction under the POCSO Act, and is currently out on bail, with several cases pending against him.
The complaint is supported by an affidavit and includes documents such as educational and birth certificates, nomination papers, and caste certificates. The complainant claims inconsistencies between these documents and the MLA’s declared identity, and also includes allegations of forged documents.
If found guilty, the MLA could face charges under sections of the Indian Penal Code related to impersonation, cheating, and forgery, as well as violations of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Consequences could include disqualification from office, criminal prosecution, and possible imprisonment.
There is no public record of Dashrath Gagrai facing similar identity-related allegations before. This specific controversy appears to have emerged following the recent assembly elections, with the complaint lodged on July 28, 2025.