EVM Theft in Pune: Control Unit Recovered, Two Arrested

An EVM control unit stolen from a revenue officials office in Pune has been recovered, and two individuals have been arrested. The Election Commission of India has suspended several officials and initiated disciplinary proceedings in response to the incident.

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Pune, Maharashtra - In a significant development, the Pune Police have successfully recovered the control unit of an electronic voting machine (EVM) that was allegedly stolen from the office of a revenue official in Maharashtra's Pune district. The incident, which came to light on Monday, sparked immediate action from the Election Commission of India (EC), leading to the suspension of several officials and the initiation of disciplinary proceedings against them.

Swift Recovery and Arrests

Acting swiftly upon receiving information about the theft, the Pune Police launched an investigation and managed to recover the stolen EVM control unit within 24 hours. Two individuals allegedly involved in the crime were apprehended in the Jejuri area of the district. The police are currently conducting further investigations to uncover any additional details related to the incident.

EC Orders Suspensions and Disciplinary Action

Taking cognisance of the matter, the EC has directed the Maharashtra state government to suspend the sub-divisional officer, tehsildar, and sub-divisional police officer of the area where the theft occurred. Additionally, the EC has instructed the state government to initiate disciplinary proceedings against these officials for their alleged negligence in ensuring the security of the EVM.

Seeking Explanations from District Officials

The EC has also directed the state government to seek explanations from the district election officer, superintendent of police, and district collector for failing to ensure proper security protocols, training, and awareness regarding the handling of EVMs. These officials are expected to provide clarifications on the lapses that allowed the theft to take place.

Divisional Commissioner Confirms Suspensions

Confirming the EC's directives, Chandrakant Pulkundwar, the divisional commissioner of Pune division, stated that the process of issuing suspension orders for the concerned officials is underway. The swift response from the EC and the Pune Police demonstrates their commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring accountability among officials responsible for handling sensitive election-related materials.

The recovery of the stolen EVM control unit and the prompt action taken by the authorities send a strong message that any attempts to compromise the security of election-related equipment will not be tolerated. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to strict security protocols and ensuring the utmost vigilance in handling sensitive election materials to maintain the integrity of the democratic process.