Asianet NewsableAsianet Newsable

Assam: EC suspends 4 poll officials after EVM found in BJP MLA's car, orders repolling at Ratabari station

A day after a video surfaced on social media which allegedly showed electronic voting machines (EVMs) in the car of Patharkandi BJP candidate Krishnendu Paul, the Election Commission ordered repolling in polling station 179 of Ratabari seat in Assam.

Assam EC suspends 4 poll officials after EVM found in BJP MLA's car, orders repolling at Ratabari station-dnm
Author
Guwahati, First Published Apr 2, 2021, 1:21 PM IST

The Election Commission of India has suspended four polling officials deputed in Assam’s Karimganj after they were found transporting an EVM, a vehicle belonging to BJP MLA Krishnendu Paul. The poll panel has also ordered repolling in the booth, and an FIR is likely to be filed in the case.

The poll body also issued a factual report on the incident. “The Polling party of 149-Indira MV School of LAC 1 Ratabari (SC) met with an unfortunate incident on April 1, 2021. The polling party comprised a Presiding Officer and 3 polling personnel. They were accompanied by police personnel comprising a constable and a homeguard,” the EC said.

The Election Commission had initiated disciplinary action against the polling officials. The preliminary report sent by the District Election Officer said the polling party was “initially unaware that the vehicle in which they were travelling belonged to the BJP MLA”.

In the letter, the EC further said, “At about 9:20 pm, polling party hailed a passing vehicle & boarded it along with their EVM & other things without checking ownership of the vehicle. As reported by them, they moved towards Karimganj & as they reached Kanaishil, Karimganj at 11:00 pm, they had to slow down in traffic. As they slowed down, they were surrounded by a mob of about 50 people which started pelting stones at them. The mob also started abusing them and did not allow the vehicle to pass.”

“When they asked the leader of mob, he replied that it was vehicle of Krishnendu Paul, a contesting candidate of Patharkandi & he levelled allegations that EVM was being taken to be tampered with. They realised that something was amiss and alerted the Sector Officer. However, a larger crowd had gathered by then and they were attacked and held hostage by a mob along with the EVM in the vehicle at 9:45 pm alleging that the EVM was being taken to be tampered with,” the letter read.

“On examination, the polled EVM comprising of BU, CU and VVPAT was found to be with its seal intact without any damage whatsoever. All the items have been deposited in the strong room.”

“The Presiding Officer was issued show-cause notice for violation of transport protocol. PO & 3 other officials placed under suspension. Although EVM’s seals were found intact it has been decided to do a re-poll at No 149- Indira MV School of LAC 1 Ratabari(SC),” it said.

A video of the incident was widely circulated on Twitter, with several Congress leaders sharing it. In the 45-second clip, EVMs can be seen inside a white coloured jeep. A man who is not in the frame can be heard saying that the vehicle belongs to Paul. The Congress party has threatened to boycott the elections if the “open loot and rigging of EVMs” does not stop immediately.

Follow Us:
Download App:
  • android
  • ios