A video showing Collector of Reva District asking security guards to ‘shoot’ whoever breach security ring of EVMs Strong room went viral.
The top election officer in the state has sought a report over a purported video in which Rewa district collector is heard asking a security officer posted outside a strongroom where EVMs are kept to “shoot” anyone who doesn’t listen to him and tries to breach the safety ring.
The video, which has gone viral on social media, comes between the opposition Congress raising concerns over the security arrangement of Electronic Voting Machines used in the November 28 election and kept in strongrooms across the state.
The video appears to have been shot when Collector Maithil was inspecting the security of strongrooms along with party candidates.
Maithil is heard saying she has had a long career and would not spoil it for polls or over some petty issue.
She allegedly heard saying in the clip “I will not put my career at stake. You trust him (turning to a security man moving with them). Shoot if someone doesn’t listen to you (and tries to breach the security of the strongroom),”
Chief Electoral Officer V L Kantha Rao told reporters on Monday that, “We have sought a report in this regard. On receiving, this report would be forwarded to the Election Commission of India.”
In reply to another question, Rao said the candidates would be handed over the tabulation sheet after every round of counting, which will take place on December 11, to dispel any doubt related to vote count.
A Delegation from Indian National Congress has met ECI top officials last week and raises concern over the security of EVMs Strongrooms. Congress has been raising concerns on all fronts regarding the security of EVMs. Moreover, Congress Leader Kamal Nath has asked all District units to take care of the security of EVM Strongrooms till December 11, date of counting.
In another instance, Workers of Congress and BSP protested in Satna District over alleged EVM tampering.
Madhya Pradesh State Assembly Elections were held on November 28, while counting will take place on December 11 along with other state assembly elections.