An assistant returning officer was suspended on Saturday and a case was registered against him after a large number of VVPAT slips were found on the roadside in Bihar’s Samastipur district, said a statement. The VVPAT slips were found scattered on the roadside near a college in the Sarairanjan assembly segment of the district.
The Election Commission swung into action after a purported video of it went viral on social media. The statement issued by the Chief Electoral Officer’s office said the district magistrate has been directed to visit the spot and inquire into the matter. The first phase of the assembly polls in 121 seats took place on November 6. RJD Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha has written to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar requesting enhanced security measures at EVM strongrooms in Bihar.
Referring to reports of power disruptions in strongrooms, Jha’s letter said, “I write to bring to your immediate attention reports of electricity disruptions at strongrooms where Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) are currently being stored in Bihar. These reports have raised serious concerns about the security protocols.” He urged the Election Commission to take cognisance of the matter and ensure mandatory 24x7 CCTV surveillance of all entry and exit points to the strongroom premises.
