The Himachal Pradesh State Election Commission has ordered a judicial probe into an alleged lapse in EVM security at the strong rooms in a government college here, officials said on Saturday.
The Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Bilaspur, has been given the responsibility and told to submit a report as soon as possible, they added.
The security lapse came to light during a surprise inspection carried out by ASP Shiv Chaudhary late on Wednesday night. He found that the police personnel posted to guard the EVMs were not present at their duty point. Because of this, eight police personnel have been suspended.
As per the police, the strong room in the college had EVMs used in the previous Legislative Assembly elections for the Sri Naina Devi and Bilaspur (Sadar) seats. These EVMs were being kept there in connection with ongoing cases in the Himachal Pradesh High Court.
The police department has also started a departmental inquiry, with the DSP (Leave Reserve) appointed as the investigating officer. Superintendent of Police (SP) Bilaspur, Sandeep Dhawal, said a detailed report has been asked for.
Reacting to the situation, former MLA of Bilaspur (Sadar) Bamber Thakur alleged that a conspiracy had been taking shape since the start of the assembly elections. He claimed that leaving EVMs unsecured could allow tampering, which could later be used in court to argue that the elections were held without any irregularities.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer, Bilaspur, Rahul Kumar, said that a magisterial probe has been ordered, with the ADC told to lead the probe. “A report has been sought within three days, after which further action will be taken,” he said.
Also Read: HP Cong cadres upset, as party chief post stays vacant
Follow us
