Massive row after VVPAT mock poll slips were found dumped near a road in Samastipur, Bihar. EC confirms polling integrity uncompromised and suspends the ARO for negligence.
EC Suspends Assistant Returning Officer for Grave Negligence in Bihar
A fresh controversy erupted in Bihar’s Samastipur district after bundles of VVPAT mock poll slips were discovered dumped near a college in the Sarairanjan assembly segment. Authorities swiftly suspended the Assistant Returning Officer (ARO) responsible and launched a probe to determine how the slips ended up discarded by the roadside. Videos showing the dumped VVPAT slips quickly circulated on social media, leading to political debate and demands for transparency. District officials clarified that the recovered papers belonged to a mock poll exercise carried out before actual voting.
Voters in Bihar have expressed concern but also confidence that quick administrative action will help uphold trust in the democratic process. The final probe report is expected soon, which will clarify whether the lapse was due to human error or procedural negligence.
