Patrolling magistrate Awadesh Kumar and four policemen have been suspended for their negligence in handling EVMs during the fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections in Muzaffarpur on May 6.
On the day of polling, Kumar and four policemen accompanying him were assigned the task of transporting few EVMs from one booth to another in the town areas, in view of any complaints of EVM glitches coming from the polling booths.
The Election Commission (EC) arranged for replacement of faulty EVMs by handing over six EVMs to the team led by Kumar. On Monday, Kumar and the team of policemen accompanying him were found carrying the EVMs inside a hotel at Choti Kalyani during poll hours, violating mandatory practices laid down by the EC. EVMs are not supposed to be kept anywhere else other than the strong room or the assigned polling booth.
Few locals raised a hue and cry when they found the magistrate and the policemen at a restaurant, along with the EVMs.
Following complaints, district election officer Alok Ranjan Ghosh ordered a probe by the sub-divisional officer (SDO) east, Kundan Kumar. The SDO in a confidential report hinted negligence on the part of patrolling magistrate Awadesh Kumar, who he said, made a mockery of the EC’s guidelines.
Manoj Kumar, senior SP, Muzaffarpur, said that Awadesh Kumar and the four policemen, namely Brijlal, Ravindra, Ramanoj and Ravindra Choudhary have been put under suspension for carrying EVMs to a private place during the election hours. The state election commission has been apprised of the action taken against Kumar and the policemen.
{{/usCountry}}Manoj Kumar, senior SP, Muzaffarpur, said that Awadesh Kumar and the four policemen, namely Brijlal, Ravindra, Ramanoj and Ravindra Choudhary have been put under suspension for carrying EVMs to a private place during the election hours. The state election commission has been apprised of the action taken against Kumar and the policemen.
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