As the final stages of the election in Bihar approach, the Election Commission is on a stern lookout for any irregularities. In such circumstances, the videos of a large number of VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) slips found dumped near SR College in Shitalpatti village of Samastipur district in Bihar were not to be overlooked. Soon after the video went viral the internet, Officials confirmed that the slips were used during the mock poll conducted ahead of the first phase of voting on Thursday, as per a report by the Indian Express.
Witnessing the gravity of the situation and the onset of the election results, the Election Commission has ordered a probe into the matter.
Immediate Enquiry Ordered
Taking note of the incident, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar instructed the Samastipur District Magistrate (DM) to conduct an prelimiary investigation.
“DM Samastipur was directed to visit the spot and inquire. As these are VVPAT slips of the mock poll, the integrity of the polling process remains uncompromised. Contesting candidates have also been informed by the DM. However, the concerned ARO is being suspended for negligence, and an FIR is being registered.”- the ECI said in a statement
Residents alerted authorities after noticing several printed VVPAT slips scattered near the college premises. A preliminary investigation had revealed that the slips were from a mock poll exercise.
The District Magistrate of Samastipur, Roshan Kushwaha, confirmed that the slips were found near the commissioning and dispatch centre of the Sarairanjan Assembly segment. “These were located at the commissioning and dispatch centre. Upon inspection, it was observed that among a large quantity of shredded slips, a few unshredded slips were present,” the DM said. “The administration has confiscated and seized these slips.
An FIR is being lodged against those responsible for negligence. The investigation will establish the exact nature of the recovered slips. This is purely a technical matter, and all details will become clear after the inquiry,” as reported by Indian Express. He further highlighted that mock polls are a part of the standard process to ensure EVM and VVPAT machines are functional.
ARO Suspension
The concerned Assistant Returning Officer was suspended for negligence in handling the election material. District authorities have launched a detailed inquiry to determine if any procedural lapses occurred during the disposal.
