A huge cache of mobile tablets was seized from a container and eight SUVs in Rayagada on Tuesday. Most importantly, the seized tablets reportedly had wallpapers of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and 5T logo with a message, prompting the Congress and local residents to lodge a police complaint, alleging violation of model code of conduct (MCC).
As per reports, the seized tabs were allegedly being transported in a container and eight SUVs when local residents detained the vehicles. Finding the Chief Minister’s photo, the 5T logo and a message on the wallpapers of the seized tabs, local people and Congress leaders lodged a police complaint alleging violation of the model code of conduct (MCC).
Lekhartha Kumar, who was transporting the gadgets said, “These tabs are meant for the teachers of government schools. We had the order to supply these tabs before the imposition of the model code of conduct. We distributed some in the first lot in December. We were to distribute the second lot.”
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“As per their data, a total of 19,600 tablets were being transported in eight SUVs. The government organisation has trained the teachers on how to tamper with the EVMs. The teachers will go to the booths with these tabs to carry out the instructions. We condemn it,” said Durga Panda, a Congress leader.
When asked how the tabs were being transported for their distribution among teachers, the district election officer of Rayagada, Amulya Sahu refused to comment on the matter.