4,000 EVMs gutted in Bengal's govt building fire, SIT probes sabotage claims

Kolkata Police have formed an SIT after a fire gutted nearly 4,000 EVMs in an Alipore government building. The blaze's unusual spread and sabotage claims have put the cause under scrutiny.

In Short

• The building housed election offices alongside education and horticulture departments
• The building housed election offices alongside education and horticulture departments
• Political flashpoint erupted between the BJP and the TMC over the outbreak of fire

Kolkata Police has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the massive fire that gutted nearly 4,000 electronic voting machines (EVMs) stored in a government building in Alipore, as questions mount over the cause of the blaze and allegations of possible sabotage.

The SIT was formed after an FIR was registered in connection with the fire that broke out at the multi-storey government building on June 12. The building housed several government offices, including election-related departments.

West Bengal Minister of State for Fire Services Kaushik Chowdhury claimed that around 4,000 EVMs used in 10 Assembly constituencies during the recent West Bengal Assembly elections were destroyed in the blaze.

"The cause of the sudden fire on that floor is suspicious. EVMs were stored there. Offices for the Sarva Shiksha Mission, Mid-Day Meal and Horticulture departments were located there, while election offices occupied the 8th and 9th floors. Approximately 4,000 EVMs belonging to 10 Assembly constituencies have been destroyed," Chowdhury said.

The minister had earlier said the pattern of the fire's spread raised questions and did not appear consistent with a routine fire incident.

According to him, the blaze was first noticed on the lower floors but later spread to upper levels housing election offices, while some intervening floors appeared less affected.

"It does not appear to be a normal fire. We are examining whether there was any sabotage," he said, adding that the government was awaiting forensic findings.

According to a police order, the SIT comprises Assistant Commissioner of Police Sukhendu Mukhopadhyay, Inspector Hirak Dalapati of the Detective Department, Inspector Arpan Das and Sub-Inspector Suman Ghosh. The team has been tasked with conducting a detailed probe into the origin of the fire and assessing the extent of damage.

Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress criticised the ruling BJP for the incident. Taking the issue to X, Trinamool Congress wrote, "MYSTERIOUSLY" DESTROYED IN FIRE! 4,000 Control Units. 4,000 Ballot Units. 4,000 VVPATs. Linked to Kasba, Jadavpur, Behala East, Behala West, Metiaburuz, Satgachia and multiple assembly constituencies under Diamond Harbour sub-division."

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