Jharsuguda bypoll: Sealed EVMs stored in strongrooms amid tight security, counting on May 13

Barring a few instances of violence, the crucial Jharsuguda by-election concluded peacefully on May 10. A few incidents of clashes were reported outside three polling booths on the day of the poll.

Meanwhile, the Electronic Voting Machine (EVMs) used in the polling in 253 booths have been sealed and stored in the strongrooms set up on the premises of Jharsuguda Engineering School amid tight security.

Election officials made sure that all the steps involved in taking care of the EVMs after the polling were done properly. Necessary security arrangements have also been made at the strongrooms with the deployment of police.

Tight security will be maintained at the strongrooms till the counting day i.e May 13. The strong rooms are under CCTV surveillance and the district administration officials are supervising the security arrangements.

Speaking to OTV, Jharsuguda, sub-collector Kishore Chandra Swain said, “The counting personnel will be given training on May 12. The counting of votes will start from 8AM on May 13. The counting will be done in 18 rounds and all necessary arrangements have been made.”

“This apart, CCTV cameras have been installed and all necessary measures have been taken. Tight security will be maintained at the strongrooms till the counting day,” he added.