By South Matters Political Desk
Kolkata, June 12: The Kolkata EVM Fire has triggered a major political and administrative controversy after around 4,000 Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were destroyed in a massive blaze at the South 24 Parganas Zilla Parishad administrative building in Alipore.
Officials confirmed that the fire damaged control units, ballot units, and VVPAT machines that had been used in multiple Assembly constituencies during recent elections in West Bengal. Authorities have since launched an investigation, while forensic teams continue to examine the site.
The incident has raised serious questions about the security and storage of electoral equipment.
Kolkata EVM Fire Destroys Machines from Multiple Constituencies
According to officials, the EVMs were stored on the upper floors of the government building and were linked to around 10 Assembly constituencies. The fire broke out at the South 24 Parganas Zilla Parishad headquarters in Alipore and spread through parts of the structure, destroying thousands of voting machines.
Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly 24 hours before completing cooling operations. Fortunately, no casualties were reported. However, the extent of the damage has prompted a detailed investigation.
Kolkata EVM Fire Investigation Examines Unusual Fire Pattern
The Kolkata EVM Fire has drawn additional scrutiny because of the way the flames reportedly spread through the building.
West Bengal Fire Minister Kaushik Chowdhury stated that preliminary findings suggested the fire originated on lower floors, yet extensive damage occurred on the eighth and ninth floors where the EVMs were stored. This unusual pattern has led authorities to examine whether sabotage could have played a role.
An FIR has been registered, and forensic experts have collected samples to determine the cause of the incident. Investigators have not reached any conclusions so far.
SIT Formed to Probe Kolkata EVM Fire
Authorities have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the incident. The team will examine forensic evidence, review building records, and determine whether the fire resulted from an accident or any deliberate act.
Officials have stated that search and seizure operations continue inside the building as investigators assess the full extent of the losses.
Political Reactions Intensify
The Kolkata EVM Fire has sparked political reactions across West Bengal. Several parties have raised concerns regarding the destruction of voting equipment and have demanded a transparent investigation.
Meanwhile, authorities have urged caution against drawing conclusions before forensic findings become available. Investigators maintain that all possibilities remain under examination.
As the probe continues, the Kolkata EVM Fire is expected to remain a major political issue in West Bengal, with attention focused on the findings of the forensic investigation and SIT inquiry.