Hingoli, Maharashtra: A video has surfaced showing Shiv Sena MLA Santosh Bangar entering a polling booth in the Hingoli district of Maharashtra during local body elections on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. The incident, which occurred while a woman was casting her vote, has prompted an investigation by election officials.

The video, widely circulated on social media, purportedly depicts Bangar entering the polling booth and looking into the enclosure as the woman was voting. He also appears to engage in a conversation with her. The incident took place during the first phase of local body elections, which included voting for more than 260 municipal councils and nagar panchayats across the state. A member of Bangar's family is reportedly contesting in the municipal council elections in Hingoli.

Election officials have taken note of the video and have launched an investigation. An official stated that they have seen the incomplete video and have directed the concerned officer at the booth to submit a detailed report on the incident. Appropriate action will be taken based on the report's findings.

The incident has drawn criticism from opposition leaders. Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad shared the video on social media platform X, alleging that Bangar was "directly telling a lady to vote for him". Gaikwad further claimed that Bangar's supporter looked inside the polling enclosure and pointed out the button to the woman. She questioned the fairness of the election, stating that Bangar and his supporters were openly using phones inside the booth.

Bangar belongs to the Shiv Sena faction led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The incident occurred inside a booth in the Bazaar area of Kalamnuri town. The Election Commission has ordered a probe into the matter. Bangar has been booked for allegedly violating election rules.