Police taking steps to thwart EVM rigging rumours

ALLAHABAD: Ruckus in Meerut, Kanpur and Gorakhpur over rumours of EVM hacking in favour of a particular party in the ongoing civic polls has alerted the district administration. Besides making foolproof security arrangements, it is taking special precautions to avoid disruption of polling process due to rumours.

Some candidates created a ruckus at some polling booths in Meerut alleging no matter which button a voter pressed, the EVM was casting votes in favour of the BJP only.

Similar incidents were reported in Kanpur and Gorakhpur where candidates and their supporters created ruckus alleging EVM rigging. However, the district election officer ruled out any such malfunctioning and registered FIR against some persons for spreading rumours.

SP (city) Siddharth Shankar Meena said cops in civvies will keep an eye on mischievous elements who may try to create disturbance during polls at sensitive polling booths.

Strict action would be taken against those involved in spreading rumours of EVM rigging as it may cause a serious law and order problem during election process, he said.

“CCTV cameras and drones will also keep a watch on suspicious elements at the booths and videography will also carried out in case of any ruckus like situation at polling booths,” the SP (city) added. In an attempt for better security arrangements, SSP Akash Kulhari divided the district in eight super zones, 13 zones and 81 sectors.