In a tumultuous turn of events at the S Ibobi Primary School polling station 3/21 in the Khurai Assembly Constituency of Manipur, an FIR has been lodged against a voter, identified as S Surajkumar of Khurai Thongam Leikai, for allegedly damaging an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM). The incident unfolded when Surajkumar found himself in a perplexing situation, being informed that his vote had already been cast by unidentified individuals. Despite his complaints, instead of redressal, he faced actions from polling officials present at the site.
Expressing dismay over the handling of the situation, Surajkumar questioned the actions of the officials, asserting his fundamental right as a voter. He recounted the officials’ failure to provide a satisfactory explanation for the alleged pre-casting of his vote, which resulted in some individuals entering the polling station and causing damage to the EVM in protest against perceived electoral injustice.
Surajkumar clarified that the damage was not intended towards the polling officials but attributed the turmoil to their alleged negligence in adhering to electoral guidelines. Opposing the FIR filed against him, Surajkumar called for a re-polling of station 3/21 to rectify the situation and ensure fairness in the electoral process, highlighting that several voters were unable to cast their ballots. Additionally, Surajkumar stated that a formal complaint had been lodged with the deputy commissioner of Imphal East, indicating the seriousness with which the matter is being pursued.