Assam Elections 2021: EC Confirms 181 Votes Cast In Booth With 90 Voters; Suspends 6 Officials

The Election Commission has found that 181 votes had been cast at a booth in Dima Hasao district that had only 90 registered voters.

Election officials carry the Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) from a distribution centre to polling stations on the eve of the last phase of India's Assam state legislative assembly elections in Guwahati on April 5, 2021. Biju BORO / AFP

A day before the crucial third phase of polling in the ongoing assembly elections, the Elections Commission of India on Monday suspended six polling officials in Assam upon finding that 181 votes had been cast at a booth in Dima Hasao district that had only 90 registered voters.

In an official statement, the Election Commission said that during the scrutiny of the Presiding Officer diary and other documents, it was found that the presiding officer and the polling officers of 107 - A Khothlir I.P. School have allowed 181 persons to cast votes against the total 90 voters aginst that polling stations. 

As per the notice, rhe Presiding and 1st Polling officer, in their statements, have admitted that they allowed the voters registered against the main polling station to cast their votes in the auxiliary polling station. 

Taking note of this lapse, the District Election Officer has suspended the Sector Officer, the Presiding Officer and three other polling officers for 'dereliction of duty'. 

The six officials who have been suspended, with immediate effect, are identified as: Seikhosiem Lhangum (Sector Officer), Prahlad Ch Roy (Presiding Officer), Parameswar Charangsa (1st Polling Officer), Swaraj Kanti Das (2nd Polling Officer) and Lalzamlo Thiek (3rd Polling Officer). 

As per the official circular, the polling agency has recommended repoll at booth of these polling stations. 

Assam is holding a three-phase Assembly elections. The first phase was held on March 27, followed by second phase on April 1. The third, and final phase is scheduled for April 6. A voter turnout of about 77.21 per cent was recorded in the second phase of the assembly election on Thursday.