In swift action, election officials have suspended five government officials and announced repolling in Dahod’s Parathampur on May 11. This comes soon after Santrampur police arrested Dahod BJP leader Vijay Bhabhor for capturing an electronic voting machine (EVM) on May 7 The case was registered after Bhabor’s opponent from the Congress, Dr Prabhaben Taviad.  Officials say the election commission took cognizance of the complaint, and directed the returning officer to look into the issue.

Joint Chief Electoral Officer in Gujarat Ashok Patel said that irregularities were noticed regarding voting in polling station No 220 Parthampur of 19-Dahod Lok Sabha Constituency 123-Santrampur Assembly Constituency. As soon as the irregularities were reported, a report was sought from the returning officer regarding the incident. Once the returning officer turned in the report, it was presented to the Election Commission of India. Taking into account the reports of the returning officer and the observer regarding the irregularities in polling, the Election Commission of India has announced repolling between 7am and 6 pm on May 11.

Under subsection 2 of section 58 of the Representation of the People Act of 1951, polling held on May 7 at Polling Station No. 220 of 19-Dahod Lok Sabha Constituency 123-Santarampur Assembly Constituency is declared null and void, an official said.

The presiding officer, assistant presiding officer and two polling officers and one police constable have been suspended in connection with the incident.

The five suspended officers will be further investigated by the Commission of Inquiry and action will be taken against the presiding officer who did not report the incident on that same day.

Among the suspended employees are Kana Rohit, Bhupat Singh Parmar, Yogesh Solya, and Mayurika Patel. The police constable has not been named.

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