Election Official Suspended After VVPAT Slips Found Scattered on Road in Bihar’s Samastipur
Authorities confirm the slips were from a mock poll; FIR filed and probe underway.
Bihar: An assistant returning officer (ARO) has been suspended and an FIR registered against him after a large number of VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) slips were found lying on the roadside in Samastipur district, officials said on Saturday.
According to a statement from the Chief Electoral Officer’s office, the slips were discovered near a college in the Sarairanjan assembly constituency. The incident came to light after a video showing the scattered VVPAT slips went viral on social media, prompting the Election Commission to take immediate action.
District Magistrate (DM) of Samastipur was directed to visit the location and conduct an inquiry into the matter. Officials clarified that the slips were from a mock poll, which is conducted to test voting machines before the actual polling process.
“The integrity of the election process remains unaffected as these slips were from a mock poll. The contesting candidates have also been informed about the situation,” the statement said.
However, the ARO was suspended for negligence, and a formal investigation has been initiated. Authorities confirmed that the incident will be thoroughly examined to ensure accountability.
The first phase of Bihar’s assembly elections, covering 121 seats, was held on November 6.
