Odisha CEO Initiates Inquiry into Alleged EVM Vandalism by MLA

In a significant development from Odisha, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Nikunja Bihari Dhal has initiated an inquiry into the allegations against Prasant Jagdev, a sitting MLA and BJP assembly poll candidate, for purportedly vandalizing an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) during the third phase of voting. The incident, which took place in a booth within the Begunia assembly segment, has stirred controversy and led to Jagdev's arrest on May 26.

The inquiry was ordered following the emergence of a video related to the incident, prompting the CEO's office to take action. The Khurda District Election Officer (DEO) has been tasked with conducting a thorough investigation to shed light on the matter. The DEO, being the custodian of webcasting records, plays a crucial role in verifying the events as captured on video.

Jagdev's arrest came after an FIR was lodged by the presiding officer of the booth, accusing him of EVM vandalism. Despite these serious allegations, Jagdev, who had switched allegiances from BJD to BJP, has denied any wrongdoing. In his defense, Bhubaneswar MP and BJP Lok Sabha candidate Aparajita Sarangi released CCTV footage from the polling station which she claims does not show Jagdev engaging in the act of breaking the EVM.

Sarangi further alleged that there was undue pressure from the police on her driver, Banamali, to implicate Jagdev as the perpetrator. She described a dramatic scene where police intercepted her vehicle and arrested Jagdev, who was then using it for transportation. Sarangi has accused Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik of orchestrating a conspiracy against Jagdev, questioning the fairness of his arrest and subsequent detention.

Adding to the controversy, police reports suggest that Jagdev was involved in an altercation at the polling booth, allegedly manhandling a woman polling staff member and the presiding officer. This disruption led to a temporary halt in the voting process. Khurda district Superintendent of Police (SP) Avinash Kumar confirmed Jagdev's arrest based on these allegations and mentioned that verification of booth CCTV footage is underway.

The ruling BJD has criticized the BJP for defending Jagdev amidst these serious charges. The incident has not only raised questions about electoral integrity but also about political accountability in Odisha. As investigations continue, all eyes are on the findings of the Khurda DEO and their implications for those involved.