Chennai: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered a detailed investigation after several foreign nationals were allegedly found casting votes illegally in the recently concluded Tamil Nadu Assembly elections using fake identity documents.

The poll panel has reportedly sought reports from returning officers in at least two cities and five districts across Tamil Nadu to determine how foreign nationals managed to vote despite the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls conducted before the elections.

The issue has triggered political and administrative concern, as authorities suspect that forged identity documents and loopholes in the voter verification process may have enabled non-citizens to participate in the democratic exercise illegally.

Foreign nationals allegedly voted using fake documents

According to official sources, nearly 25 foreign nationals of Indian origin were either arrested or detained in cities including Chennai and Madurai for allegedly casting votes fraudulently during the Assembly elections held on April 23.

In one of the biggest crackdowns so far, Chennai Police arrested 10 foreign nationals, including four women, for allegedly voting using fraudulently obtained Indian identity documents. Officials stated that the accused were intercepted by immigration authorities at Chennai International Airport while allegedly attempting to leave the country after the elections.

Investigators found that despite holding foreign citizenship and not being eligible to vote in India, the accused had reportedly stayed in different parts of Tamil Nadu and exercised their franchise illegally.

Authorities suspect that fake Aadhaar cards, voter identity cards and other supporting documents may have been used to secure inclusion in the electoral rolls.

Multiple police cases registered

Following complaints lodged by immigration officials, several criminal cases were registered between May 7 and May 14 by the Central Crime Branch and various local police units functioning under the Greater Chennai Police.

Police officials said the accused are being questioned to ascertain whether a larger network was involved in preparing forged documents and facilitating illegal voter registration.

The investigation is also examining whether any local agents or officials assisted the foreign nationals in obtaining fake documents or enrolling in voter lists.

Sources indicated that authorities are scrutinising electoral records, residential proofs and immigration documents to establish the sequence of events leading to the alleged illegal voting.

Election Commission seeks detailed reports

The Election Commission has reportedly directed district election authorities and returning officers to submit comprehensive reports on the alleged lapses.

Officials are expected to examine whether the names of foreign nationals were added during the Special Intensive Revision process and if due verification procedures were bypassed.

The ECI is also likely to review the role of booth-level officers and local verification teams responsible for validating voter eligibility before the polls.

Election officials maintain that only Indian citizens above the age of 18 are eligible to vote in elections, and any fraudulent enrolment is treated as a serious offence under election laws.

Political reactions expected

The allegations are likely to intensify political debate in Tamil Nadu, especially regarding voter verification and electoral integrity.

While no major political party has officially commented on the matter so far, opposition groups are expected to demand stricter scrutiny of electoral rolls and accountability for administrative failures.

Political analysts believe the incident could lead to stronger verification mechanisms in future elections, particularly in urban centres with high migrant populations and international movement.

Concerns over electoral integrity

The incident has once again highlighted concerns over the misuse of forged documents and the challenges faced by authorities in maintaining accurate voter databases.

Experts say that while electoral roll revisions are conducted periodically, gaps in verification can sometimes be exploited by organised networks involved in document fraud.

Officials have assured that strict action will be taken against those found guilty, including individuals involved in fake identity creation, illegal voter enrolment and fraudulent voting.

The Election Commission’s findings are expected to determine whether the issue was isolated or indicative of a wider systemic problem.

As investigations continue, authorities are focusing on ensuring that the integrity of the electoral process remains protected and that future elections are conducted without such irregularities.