Removal of a ballot papers from polling station to be offence

Removal of a ballot papers from polling station to be offence. (1) Any person who at any election fraudulently takes or attempts to take a ballot paper put of a polling station, or willfully aids or abets the doing of any such act, shall on conviction, be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both. (2) If the Presiding Officer of a polling station has reason to believe that any person is committing or has committed an offence punishable under sub-section (1), such officer may, before such person leaves the polling station,. Arrest or direct a police officer to arrest such person and may search such person or cause him to be searched by a police officer: Provided that, where it is necessary to cause a woman to be searched, the search shall be made by another woman with strict regard to decency. (3) Any ballot paper found upon the person arrested on search shall be made over for sage custody to a police officer by the Presiding officer, or when the search is made by a police officer, shall be kept by such officer in safe custody. (4) An offence punishable under sub-section (1) shall be cognizable.