In a major embarrassment during the Bihar elections, thousands of VVPAT slips were found dumped in garbage near Shitalpatti village in the Sarairanjan Assembly constituency of Samastipur. The shocking discovery on the morning of November 8 sparked outrage among locals, who gathered in large numbers demanding action.
District Magistrate Roshan Kushwaha, SP Arvind Pratap Singh, SDO Dilip Kumar, and ASP Sanjay Kumar Pandey rushed to the site with a police team. Officials collected the discarded slips and assured a transparent investigation. The DM immediately suspended two employees and ordered an FIR for negligence. The Assistant Returning Officer was also suspended, and departmental action is being initiated.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar took swift notice of the incident. He directed the District Magistrate to investigate the case thoroughly and ensure accountability.
According to early reports, the slips might have been from mock polls conducted before the actual voting. Still, opposition parties and local candidates have demanded a full inquiry to restore public confidence. DM Kushwaha urged citizens not to spread rumors and assured that strict action will follow against those responsible.
