EVM in Assam BJP leader car: 4 officials suspended
EVM in Assam BJP leader car issue: The Election Commission on Friday issued a factual report on the incident involving EVM in Assam.
The Election Commission stated that the polling party 149-Indira MV School of LAC 1 Ratabari (SC) met with an incident. The party comprised a Presiding Officer and 3 polling personnel. They were accompanied by police personnel comprising a constable and a home guard.
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At around 9:20 pm, the polling party hailed a passing vehicle and boarded it along with their EVM and other things without checking the ownership of the vehicle. As reported by them, they moved towards Karimganj and as they reached Kanaishil, Karimganj at 11:00 pm, they had to slow down in traffic, the EC said in a statement.
It further said that "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."
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According to the information, when they asked the leader of the mob, he replied that it was the vehicle of Krishnendu Paul, a contesting candidate of Patharkandi and he leveled allegations that EVM was being taken to be tampered with. Later, they realised that something was amiss and alerted the Sector Officer.
However, a larger crowd gathered by then, and they were attacked and held hostage by a mob along with the EVM in the car of Assam BJP leader at around 9:45 pm alleging that the EVM was being taken to be tampered with.
On examination, the polled EVM comprising of BU, CU, and VVPAT was found to be with its seal intact without any damage whatsoever, the EC said, adding that all the items have been deposited in the strong room.
Meanwhile, the Presiding Officer was issued a show-cause notice for violation of transport protocol. PO and 3 other officials have been 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), said Election Commission on the issue of EVM found in Assam BJP leader's car.
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