NewKerala.com

Bihar Polls Mystery: RJD Alleges Strong Room Tampering Amid ECI Denial

The RJD has raised serious concerns about potential electoral malpractice at the Hajipur strong room. They shared CCTV evidence showing cameras being turned off and suspicious vehicle movement during nighttime hours. However, the Election Commission conducted a thorough investigation and found all allegations to be baseless. The Commission clarified that technical glitches were minor and all security protocols were properly followed throughout the process.

Key Points: RJD Claims Suspicious Activity at Hajipur Strong Room

  • RJD posted CCTV footage showing cameras being switched off sequentially
  • Party alleged pickup van entered strong room premises late at night
  • ECI confirmed one display screen turned off due to auto timeout
  • Commission verified vehicle belonged to security personnel bringing supplies
2 min read

Bihar polls: RJD alleges suspicious activity at Hajipur strong room; ECI rejects claim

RJD alleges CCTV manipulation and suspicious vehicle movement at Hajipur strong room during Bihar polls, while ECI dismisses claims as baseless after investigation.

"This time, Bihar will teach these two outsiders a lesson. They want to destroy democracy in Bihar, the mother of the republic - RJD"

Patna, Nov 8

The RJD on Saturday lodged a complaint before the Election Commission of India (ECI) alleging suspicious activities at a strong room in Hajipur, Vaishali district.

The party also posted CCTV footage clips on its official X handle, claiming that cameras of different Assembly constituencies were being switched off one by one and that a pickup van was seen entering and leaving the premises late in the night.

In a strongly-worded post, the RJD alleged that the country's biggest vote thief has been camping in Bihar for several days under the pretext of campaigning, and accused the media of helping divert attention from alleged vote rigging.

"This time, Bihar will teach these two outsiders a lesson. They want to destroy democracy in Bihar, the mother of the republic -- Biharis will not let this happen under any circumstances," the RJD said on X.

Responding immediately to the complaint, the ECI said a preliminary inquiry had been conducted.

In its official statement, the Commission said that CCTV feeds from the strong room were being displayed at two points -- the main control room and a separate viewing point meant for party representatives.

According to the ECI, the CCTV at the control room "continued to run constantly".

However, it said that the display screen at the viewing area for one of the five Assembly segments -- 129 Mahanar -- had turned off for some time due to auto timeout, and had been restarted quickly. The other displays were uninterrupted, the Commission clarified, adding that the main control room feed for Mahanar was not affected at all.

Regarding the pickup van, the ECI said the vehicle belonged to security personnel posted at the strong room, who had brought bedding and supplies to the college campus late in the night.

"The vehicle left within 15 minutes and its entry was recorded in the guard register," the Commission said.

The Commission further said that the strong room functions under a three-tier security system. It also quoted Kundan Kumar -- the RJD representative from Lalganj who circulated the video -- as confirming the factual position during verification.

"The baseless and misleading post is being refuted," the ECI said.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As a Bihari, I'm deeply concerned about these allegations. Democracy is our pride and we won't let anyone manipulate it. The ECI should conduct a thorough investigation, not just preliminary inquiry.
S
Sarah B
The timing of these allegations is suspicious. Why wait until now? If there were genuine concerns, they should have been raised immediately when noticed.
A
Arjun K
Three-tier security system and CCTV monitoring at multiple points sounds robust. The pickup van explanation makes sense - security personnel need supplies too. Baseless allegations damage election credibility. 🇮🇳
N
Nisha Z
The fact that the RJD representative confirmed the factual position during verification says it all. This looks like political posturing before results. Bihar deserves better than these games.
M
Michael C
While I appreciate ECI's quick response, I think they should allow independent observers to verify the CCTV footage. Transparency is key to maintaining public trust in democratic processes.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50