JHADC Elections | Police launch probe into EVM vandalism in East Jaintia Hills

Shillong, Feb 21: The state police on Friday registered a case and started the investigation to nab those involved in the two incidents of vandalism and damaging of the electronic voting machines (EVMs) in four polling stations under two constituencies in East Jaintia Hills district.

The incidents have led to the DCA ordering for repolling in the four polling stations – Wapung Skur A and Wapung Skur B under Musniang-Rangad constituency and Bataw A and Bataw B under Bataw-Lakadong constituency.

“We have registered a case and investigation in on,” district police chief Giri Prasad said.

He said so far no arrest has been made.

Earlier, Director General (Eastern Range) Davis NR Marak, Deputy Commissioner S Awasthi and SP Giri Prasad rushed to Wapung village to conduct an inquiry into the incident.

Additional deputy commissioner (ADC) and Returning Officer Jacquiline U Kharpuri told reporters that polling was going on peacefully till 11.20 am until 11.35 am when information was received that a group of unidentified people had forcefully entered the Wapung Skur A polling station and committed acts of vandalism inside to the extent that they destroyed the EVM. Again at 11.37 am, it was informed that the same group had gone to the Wapung Skur B polling station and also destroyed the EVM. This has resulted in polling being forcefully halted in the two polling stations.

“None of the polling personnel could identify the people as they know whether they are from the village or that they come from other places,” she said.

SP Giri Prasad informed that additional forces have been deployed in the two polling stations to ensure law and order is maintained.

He said no injuries were reported during the incident. “A case has been registered and investigation is on to nab the people involved in the incident,” the SP stated.

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