VVPAT slips found dumped on roadside in Bihar’s Samastipur, election officer suspended

VVPAT slips: A major controversy erupted in Bihar’s Samastipur district after piles of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips were found dumped on the roadside near a college in the Sarai Ranjan Assembly constituency. Following the viral spread of videos showing the slips scattered on the road, the Election Commission took swift action, suspending an Assistant Election Officer and ordering an investigation.

According to the statement issued by the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), the district magistrate personally visited the spot and directed a detailed inquiry into the incident. The suspended officer has also been booked under relevant sections for negligence of duty.

Authorities clarified that the slips discovered were dummy VVPAT slips used during training and mock voting exercises, not those generated during the actual polling process. Hence, officials have asserted that the integrity and credibility of the election process remain unaffected.

“Although these were mock poll VVPAT slips, disciplinary action was taken for mishandling and negligence. The candidates contesting in the constituency have been informed about the incident through the District Election Officer,” the CEO’s office statement read.

The discovery sparked widespread concern, particularly as it came just days after the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections was held on November 6, covering 121 constituencies. Videos of the scattered slips quickly went viral across social media platforms, prompting questions about election material management and procedural lapses.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission reiterated its commitment to maintaining transparency and accountability in the electoral process. A special team has been deployed to verify how the training materials ended up unattended by the roadside.

The investigation is ongoing, and disciplinary measures against other responsible officials are expected once the inquiry is complete.

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