Karimganj DC launches investigation over viral video of alleged EVM manipulation in Karimganj

A viral video depicting a polling agent purportedly casting five votes in favor of the BJP on an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) at a polling station has sparked controversy in Karimganj.

The District Election Officer clarified the incident as a "mock poll," but scrutiny persists regarding the conduct of polling officials.

The incident unfolded at Polling Station No. 11, 240 NO. NAYADHAR L.P. School in Patharkandi. Despite being labeled a mock poll, concerns arose over the secrecy of the electoral process as the footage circulated widely.

Consequently, the Election Officer issued a show cause notice to the involved polling officials.

The polling agent captured in the video was identified as Abdul Sahid, representing independent candidate Abdul Hameed.

Following the uproar, Presiding Officer Nazrul Haque Tapadar and the polling team were summoned for statements. Investigation revealed that the video was recorded during a routine mock poll conducted before the official elections, a standard procedure to ensure EVM integrity.

EVMs are reset to zero before actual polling begins.

The District Election Officer's statement clarified that polling agents are allowed to cast limited test votes during mock polls to verify EVM functionality.

However, questions arose regarding why the polling agent of an independent candidate allegedly voted for the BJP.

The matter was addressed during scrutiny in the presence of the General Observer, Candidates, and Election Agents.

The Presiding Officer confirmed the video was recorded during the mock poll, followed by a Close Result Clear (CRC) before actual polling began.Statements from polling agents representing other parties are pending verification.

Independent Candidate Abdul Hameed attributed the incident to alleged negligence of polling officials, stating that EVMs were left unattended during breakfast hours.

Hameed clarified that the video was recorded for amusement before the election's commencement at approximately 6:30 AM.