In a remote Himalayan village, a family of five participated in India's election at their own polling station after officials undertook a seven-hour journey and secured a power connection from the military for the occasion.
The officials embarked on a 180-kilometre trip from Leh, the capital city of Ladakh, on Sunday to reach Warshi, where Rinchen, 23, her parents, and grandparents were the only voters.
Situated approximately 20 kilometres from the Siachen Glacier, known as the world's highest battlefield, Warshi lacks basic amenities such as electricity, healthcare, and internet access.
Polling officials sought assistance from the Indian military's Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for electricity after the generator they brought failed to function.
"This area is unique because the government has set up a polling station for only one house," said election officer Phonchok Stobdan.
Rinchen, a first-time voter, expressed a mix of excitement and responsibility, hoping her vote would address local issues.
"It is a mixed feeling of excitement and responsibility. I would request the incoming government to solve the problems we have here," she said.
For her grandparents, Lozbang Sherab, 75, and Pustong Lamo, 85, reaching the polling station, despite its proximity, was challenging. Sherab carried his wife out of their house, down the stairs, and into a wheelchair.
As Lamo cast her vote, she received applause from her family and polling personnel.
India's seven-phase elections began on April 19, with the fifth phase occurring on Monday. Narendra Modi is vying for a rare third consecutive term as prime minister.
(Reuters)
Dharavi slum in Mumbai
During the hearing, Clifford denied all the charges except for the rape charge, which was added to the indictment at the session. (Photo: Hertfordshire Police /Handout via REUTERS)
Man pleads not guilty to murder of BBC presenter's family
A 26-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to charges of murdering the wife and two daughters of BBC sports commentator John Hunt in a crossbow and knife attack.
Kyle Clifford, who also faces charges of rape, appeared via video link at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday.
Clifford, arrested in July after a manhunt, is charged with three counts of murder, one count each of rape and false imprisonment, and two counts of possessing offensive weapons – a 10-inch knife and a crossbow.
During the hearing, Clifford denied all the charges except for the rape charge, which was added to the indictment at the session.
He is expected to enter a plea for that charge at a later date.
The victims were Carol Hunt, 61, wife of horseracing commentator John Hunt, and their daughters Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28.
An earlier hearing revealed that Louise had been found tied up and that both she and her sister had been shot with a crossbow, while their mother had been stabbed with a knife.
The fatal attack occurred at the family’s home in Bushey, a commuter town near Watford, northwest of London.
(With inputs from AFP)