EVM found in BJP candidate's car in Assam, 4 officials suspended by Election Commission

NEW DELHI: In a major development, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has suspended four officials after an EVM was reportedly found in BJP's candidate's car in the poll-bound Assam.

The poll panel issued a statement saying, ''On the examination, the polled EVM comprising of BU, CU and VVPAT was found to be intact without any damage to its seal.''

All the items have been deposited in the strong room, it added. "A report has also been sought from the Special Observer," the EC statement read.

Violence had erupted in Karimganj district of Assam after a mob spotted a BJP candidate's vehicle being used to take a polled EVM to the strong room on Thursday night, forcing the police to fire in the air to bring the situation under control.

The vehicle of the polling party of Indira MV School in the Ratabari constituency broke down on their way to the strong room in Karimganj town, officials said on Friday morning.

"They took a lift in a private vehicle. Incidentally, the vehicle was registered under the name of sitting BJP MLA from Patharkandi Krishnendu Paul. When it reached Nimal Bazar area, some public spotted it," an official of the district administration said.

Paul is also the BJP candidate from the seat this time. The mob, mostly consisting of AIUDF and Congress supporters, vandalised the vehicle, upon which the polling party ran away, leaving behind the EVMs, eyewitnesses said.

"The Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police reached the spot immediately and they tried to pacify the mob. But the crowd did not listen, forcing the police to fire in the air to disperse them," police sources said.

The DC and the SP then brought the EVMs to Patharkandi police station at night, from where it was taken and deposited at the strong room in Karimganj town, they added.

Ratabari and Patharkandi constituencies went for polls in the second phase on Thursday.