‘Rigging’ video surfaces in Assam
Guwahati: At least six persons were detained today and FIR against the entire polling team lodged after a video of a man escorting voters to the EVM, looking over the cardboard shield of the EVM and even pressing the buttons on their behalf at a polling station in Assam’s Gauhati (Guwahati) parliamentary constituency, which went to the polls on April 24, created ripples in the state.
After the video of the polling station in Jalukbari Assembly segment of Gauhati was aired last evening by local television channels, at least two other videos under Hailakandi Assembly segment in Karimganj parliamentary constituency, which went to the polls on April 12, where the same persons voted multiple times have also surfaced.
State’s chief electoral officer Vijayendra said the election department has taken cognizance of the video tapes and have recommended to the election commission to hold repolling in the polling stations.
‘ The persons concerned have been caught and investigations are on. We are filing an FIR against the entire polling team at that station (in Jalukbari) and strict action will be taken against the erring officials,’ the CEO said, adding that prima facie it appears to be a case of rigging.
At least six accused have been detained so far for interrogation even as the state election department recommended repolling in the polling stations.
The accused in the video in Jalukbari segment, Bimal Boro, was arrested today by Baihata Chariali police. Five others were also detained by police.
Boro, who was wearing a Village Defence Party (VDP) badge in the video, claimed that he was not working for any party and said he was only helping the voters to cast their vote by showing them how to use the EVM.
Opposition parties have raised the finger of suspicion on the Congress as Jalukbari is represented by influential state Cabinet minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sharma.
Another video, captured on CCTVs installed by the Election Commission itself, in Hailakandi showed one youth casting multiple votes, while another video of a different polling booth in the same constituency showed some youths voting on behalf of multiple voters.
AGP leader Ramen Kalita, reacting to the videos, said the party will immediately approach the Election Commission.
‘ We will approach the EC and Chief Electoral Officer, demanding at least repolling in these constituencies. If no action is taken before counting (on May 16), we will seek legal recourse,’ he said.
BJP leader Siddhartha Bhattacharjee alleged that state education minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma had called teachers and other education department officials who were allotted election duty to his residence prior to the polls and organized a feast for them.
‘We had reported the matter to the election commission. How can the polling officials after reporting for duty, attend such a meeting organized by a Congress leader,’ he questioned.
The BJP and an independent candidate have already lodged written complaints with the election commission.
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said the reports will be investigated by the EC and due action against anyone found erring will be pursued.
He denied involvement of any Congress leader in these incidents.
The state had recorded highest ever 80.08 per cent voter turnout in the three-phased election held on April 7, 12 and 24 for 14 seats. (UNI)
