Patna: The Election Commission of India (ECI) moved swiftly today to address a controversy that erupted after the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) alleged that a large number of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips were found scattered on a roadside in the Sarairanjan assembly constituency of Bihar’s Samastipur district.
In the statement, the poll body said that the VVPAT slips in question were mock slips, which are generated while testing Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) before polling.
The Election Commission also said that the District Magistrate of Samastipur have been directed to visit the spot and inquire. Meanwhile, the concerned Assistant Returning Officer (ARO) has been suspended for negligence and an FIR is being registered, the EC added.
Officer Suspended, FIR Registered
While clarifying the status of the material, the ECI took strict action against the staff responsible for the lapse in disposal procedure. CEC Kumar announced the immediate suspension of the concerned Assistant Returning Officer (ARO) for negligence in handling election material. Furthermore, an FIR is being registered against the official.
The DM, who informed all contesting candidates about the findings, noted that the slips were likely unshredded remnants of the mock poll process that should have been meticulously accounted for and destroyed. A departmental inquiry has also been initiated to determine the full extent of the procedural violation. The ECI assured the public that all necessary steps are being taken to maintain the transparency and security of the ongoing elections.
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