Assam Assembly election: CID sleuths to inquire into Ratabari EVM tampering case

A two-member team of CID of Assam Police will reach Karimganj district in Barak Valley on Tuesday to inquire into alleged EVM tampering that took place at booth No 149 of Indira MV School in Ratabari on April 1.

Official sources told Northeast Now that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) sleuths have begun their preliminary investigation.

In fact, they will also investigate the administrative lapses, sources said.

The district magistrate has already ordered a high-level inquiry into this matter.

“Yes, we have been contacted by CID officials. They have sought information from us regarding the April 1 incident,” said the officer-in-charge of Ratabari police station, Bholaram Terong.

Also read: Assam’s EVM recovery row: CPI urges Election Commission to suspend BJP MLA Krishnendu Paul’s candidature

Following the incident, the Election Commission of India (ECI) ordered repolling at Ratabari, however, the date is yet to be announced.

The presiding officer under whose tutelage the voting took place at Indira MV School at Ratabari has been put under suspension along with other poll officials for dereliction of duty.

Also read: Assam EVMs recovery row: After ‘caught red-handed’, BJP gives ‘goodwill gesture’ excuse

The man in the eye of storm is outgoing Patharkandi MLA from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Krishnendu Paul.

According to sources, the EVM machine was discovered from a Bolero vehicle registered in the name of Krishnendu’s wife — Madhumita Paul.

Sources further stated that the poll officials, including the presiding officer, were found in the vehicle along with the EVM on the day of polling in the second phase of the Assam Assembly election 2021.

Also read: Assam Assembly election: Election Commission suspends four polling officials after EVM found in BJP MLA’s vehicle

The vehicle lost its steam at Nilambazar and brought ill-luck for the poll officials.

The news spread like a wildfire in the Kanaishal area falling under the jurisdiction of Ratabari.

Sulking locals barged into the vehicle.

Sensing trouble, the poll officials, including two police constables, reportedly fled from the spot, sources said. Angry locals blocked the National Highway in protest.

A contingent of Ratabari police rushed to the site of protest demonstration and tried to calm down the surcharged mob.

All these efforts failed and with a view to bringing the situation under control, police fired three rounds in the air.

Finally, police had to resort to baton-charge.

Now, all eyes are set on the CID sleuths, who are scheduled to visit Ratabari on Tuesday.