#AssamElections2021: Re-poll ordered for polling station in Ratabari after a dramatic incident

Guwahati, Apr 3: The Election Commission of India has published a factual report regarding the unfortunate incident that took place while carrying the EVMs from Ratabari's Indira MV School polling station and ordered for suspension of Presiding Officer and three other officials. The Commission has further ordered for a re-poll at PS 149 - Ratabari for assurance of a fair voting process to have concluded.

 

 

 

According to the ECI's release, the polling party from PS 149 comprised of a Presiding Officer and three polling personnel, who were accompanied by the police personnel comprising of a constable and a home guard. The Polling party after completion of polls was returning in a convoy escorted by an armed escort led by the Police Sector Officer ABSI Luhit Gohain. The weather at the same time was inclement and was raining heavily in the later hours of the day leading to the roads being muddy.

 

 

According to the report, as the polling party was approaching Nilam Bazaar, the vehicle which had been allotted by the transport cell of the election branch to the party carrying the polling party broke down and the party became detached from its convoy. Due to miscommunication with the Sector Officer Ajoy Sutradhar, 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 they reached Kanaishil in Karimganj and slowed down due to traffic, 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. The report suggests that when they asked the leader of the mob, he replied that it was the vehicle of Krishnendu Paul who is a contesting candidate of a neighboring constituency of Patharkandi LAC-2 and he leveled allegations 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. All the items have been deposited in the strong room.

 

 

 

 

In this regard, the Presiding Officer was issued show cause notice for violation of the transport protocol. Thereafter, the PO and three other officials have been placed under suspension. Although the seals of the EVM were found intact, it has nevertheless been decided to do a re-poll at No. 149- Indira M.V. School of LAC 1 Ratabari (SC) as an added precaution. A report has also been sought from the Special Observer.