Sasaram Gripped by EVM Strongroom Tension
A wave of tension and suspicion swept through Sasaram in Rohtas district on Wednesday evening, casting a shadow over the electoral process for the Chenari assembly constituency. The catalyst for the unrest was the sudden and unexpected arrival of a truck at the highly secured strongroom located on the Market Committee premises in Takia. This facility was housing the electronic voting machines (EVMs) under tight security.
Panic and Protests Erupt
The appearance of the vehicle, loaded with empty tin boxes, immediately triggered panic among candidates and their supporters. Fearing potential irregularities and foul play in the election process, a large crowd gathered outside the strongroom gate. Protesters shouted slogans and demanded a clear explanation from the authorities. The situation escalated quickly, with prominent candidates joining the demonstration. Independent candidate Jyoti Singh, wife of Bhojpuri singer Pawan Singh, alleged that the CCTV cameras inside the strongroom were not functioning. Candidates from the RJD and Jan Suraaj also assembled, with RJD candidates Rajesh Yadav, Satendra Sah, and Anita Chaudhary later staging a brief sit-in protest.
Official Intervention and Investigation
Sensing the gravity of the situation, Rohtas District Magistrate and District Election Officer (DEO) Udita Singh and SP Roshan Kumar rushed to the spot to initiate an inquiry. The investigation revealed that the truck had originated from the Sheosagar dispatch centre within the Chenari assembly constituency. DEO Singh sought a detailed explanation from the then Returning Officer and Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Lalit Ranjan, questioning under what circumstances a truck was sent to the sealed strongroom.
To ensure transparency and fairness, the Election Commission of India (ECI) took decisive action on Thursday. ADM Lalit Ranjan was removed from his post as the Returning Officer of Chenari and directed to stay away from the counting process. Land acquisition officer Md Jafar Hasan was appointed as the new returning officer in his place.
Clarification and Denials from Authorities
Authorities moved swiftly to quell the rumours and reassure the public. DEO Udita Singh stated that a thorough inspection was conducted in the presence of the candidates and their representatives. The truck, which entered the premises at 7:59 PM, was found to be carrying only empty steel boxes, and the entry was properly recorded in the logbook. "The rumour about a truck loaded with EVMs is completely false," Singh asserted, urging people not to spread misinformation.
While protesters alleged that police used force to disperse the crowd, SP Roshan Kumar denied these claims, maintaining that "the situation was brought under control peacefully." The strongroom, situated under the Sasaram Town police station's jurisdiction, continues to be under stringent security with 24-hour monitoring to ensure the safety of the election materials.
