A perplexing incident in Bihar has brought to light the inclusion of two Pakistani women in the state’s voter list. The women’s presence on the list has raised questions and prompted an investigation. This came to light during a verification drive conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs, which aimed to identify foreign nationals residing in India beyond their visa’s validity. The investigation discovered voter ID cards made in the names of Imrana Khanam and Firdousia Khanam.
Adding to the complexity, these women were verified during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, which took place ahead of the 2025 assembly elections. The Booth Level Officer (BLO) in charge of the verification said they were notified by the election department, based on a formal communication from the Home Ministry on August 11.
The women’s arrival dates and visa details have further complicated the matter. Firdousia came to India on January 19, 1956, with a three-month visa, and Imrana arrived with a three-year visa. The Bhagalpur district administration has started proceedings to address this matter. Both women have been asked to present their case with supporting documents.
Both women are residents of Bhikanpur Gumti No. 3 Tank Lane under the Ishakchak police station. In Imrana Khatoon’s case, Farzana Khatoon received the order from the district administration, and the process to delete her name started.
Imrana Khanam provided a statement regarding the verification process. She stated that she verified the women during the SIR process, using the passport numbers provided by the department. The department instructed her to remove their names, because Imrana Khanam is old and unwell. The notice from the Home Ministry arrived on August 11. The next step of the investigation will be carried out by the department.
Bihar initiated a Special Intensive Revision of its voter list in July ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. The first phase involved the distribution and collection of enumeration forms. The Election Commission of India (ECI) reported that forms from 7.24 crore voters were received by July 25, out of 7.89 crore registered voters in Bihar as of June 24.
