2 EVMs Found Near Solapur Eatery, Poll Body Calls Them ‘Reserve Devices

Mumbai: Two electronic voting machines (EVMs) were found in a car at a hotel at midnight after the Zilla Parishad elections. This led to allegations of tampering with the EVMs. (EVMs Found In Car) However, the Election Commission (EC) said that these were ‘reserve’ EVMs that were not used for voting. It said that action has been taken against them for not being moved to the strong room on time. The incident took place in Maharashtra’s Solapur district. Elections were held on February 7 for 12 Zilla Parishads and 125 Panchayats, including Solapur.

Meanwhile, after the polling ended, two EVMs were found in a car rented for an officer on election duty near a hotel in Mohol at midnight on Saturday. The NCP candidate alleged that the EVMs were tampered with and demanded an inquiry into the matter.

On the other hand, as soon as this information was received, the Election Returning Officer, Tehsildar and police personnel reached the hotel. They checked the EVMs in the car there. The Election Officer said that they were ‘reserve’ EVMs and were not used for voting. He said that the two EVMs were in a sealed condition.

The Maharashtra Election Commission also responded to the incident. It clarified that there was no malpractice or irregularity during the polling. It said that strict action will be taken against those responsible for failing to deposit the reserved voting machines on time.