Summary:
General Observer Neeraj Pawan has checked the intactness of all the seals on the EVMs, which are now stored in a separate room in the observer’s custody.
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As the Bengal polls move into TMC bastions in Phase-3, voting has begun in 31 constituencies across key districts - Howrah, Hooghly, South Parganas on April 6.
Minutes after the phase three elections began a controversial incident took place in the Howrah district of West Bengal, as 4 EVM machines were recovered from the residence of a TMC leader.
Along with 4 EVMs, a VV-PAT machine has also been seized from TMC leader Goutam Ghosh`s house in Howrah.
BJP alleges TMC for looting votes:
As 4 EVMs, a VV-PAT machine was recovered from the residence of TMC leader Goutam Ghosh`s house, BJP candidate of Chiran Bera of Uluberia North has alleged that the TMC leader kept the machines for looting votes.
According to sources, when the sector officer and BDO of Uluberia block 2 reached the spot villagers staged protests.
Later on, the central force reaches the spot and started lathi-charge.
ECI said, "Tapan Sarkar, sector officer at Howrah District went with Reserve EVM and slept at a relative’s house.
This is a gross violation of ECI’s instructions for which the Sector Officer has been suspended and charges will be framed for major punishment."
Sector Officer has been suspended.
It was a reserved EVM that has been removed from the election process.