‘An accident or calculated attempt to make crucial evidence vanish’: TMC asks EC after Kolkata fire guts 4,000 EVMs

Kolkata Fire: TMC Alleges An Accident or Calculated Attempt to Destroy 4,000 EVMs

An accident or calculated attempt to make – The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has raised urgent concerns about the cause of a fire that devastated 4,000 Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in a government building in Kolkata’s Alipore area, questioning whether it was an accidental mishap or a deliberate move to erase vital electoral evidence. The party’s leaders, during a press conference, emphasized the need for transparency, suggesting the incident could be a calculated attempt to undermine the integrity of the voting process. This event has sparked debates over the reliability of EVMs and the role of political forces in safeguarding democratic institutions.

“It is unclear whether this was an accident or a calculated attempt to make crucial evidence vanish. The EVMs are central to the electoral process, and their destruction raises serious questions about the motives behind this incident,” said a senior TMC official, echoing the party’s broader skepticism about the incident’s origin. The party called for immediate action from the Election Commission of India (ECI) to investigate the fire and its potential implications for the upcoming polls.

The fire, which broke out in a nine-story administrative complex in south Kolkata, reportedly consumed 4,000 control units, 4,000 ballot units, and 4,000 VVPAT machines. These devices are linked to key Assembly constituencies such as Kasba, Jadavpur, Behala East, Behala West, Metiaburuz, Satgachia, and parts of Diamond Harbour. TMC leaders have argued that the destruction of such a large number of EVMs points to a coordinated effort to disrupt the election machinery, with the possibility of tampering with voting data lingering in the minds of critics.

Political Stakes and Investigative Urgency

West Bengal minister Kaushik Chowdhury highlighted the unusual nature of the blaze, which started on the second and third floors before spreading to the seventh and eighth without affecting the fourth, fifth, and sixth. “This fire doesn’t seem like a typical electrical fault. The fact that it bypassed certain floors raises doubts about its origin,” he stated, urging authorities to prioritize a comprehensive investigation. The minister also emphasized the importance of preserving EVMs and CCTV footage to ensure no tampering went unnoticed.

“The ECI must act swiftly to determine whether this was a random fire or a targeted operation. If the evidence is indeed vanishing, it could have far-reaching consequences for the credibility of the electoral system,” Chowdhury added, drawing attention to the political sensitivity of the situation. His remarks underscored the TMC’s belief that the incident might be a strategic move to influence the outcome of critical elections.

Forensic Efforts and ECI’s Response

Authorities have cordoned off the affected building and restricted access to the site as forensic experts work to trace the fire’s origin. The South 24 Parganas district administration has formally lodged a complaint with Alipore Police, leading to the filing of an FIR. A detailed inquiry is underway to determine whether the fire was accidental, caused by technical failures, or the result of deliberate sabotage. The ECI has yet to issue an official statement, leaving room for speculation about the incident’s true nature.

The TMC has called for judicial intervention to preserve any remaining evidence and ensure accountability. “If the ECI cannot provide clarity, the judiciary must step in to investigate the circumstances surrounding the destruction of these machines,” said a TMC spokesperson. The party’s stance reflects growing public anxiety about the role of EVMs in elections and the need for strict oversight to prevent potential manipulation.

As the investigation continues, the focus remains on whether the fire was an isolated incident or part of a larger scheme. With 4,000 EVMs destroyed, the impact on electoral outcomes in key constituencies could be significant. Analysts are now closely monitoring the ECI’s response to the TMC’s allegations, as the issue gains traction in national discourse. The incident has also reignited discussions about the vulnerabilities of electronic voting systems and the importance of safeguarding their integrity.