The seizure of an electronic chip on Tuesday from a voting machine at a remote booth in Sagar has led to speculation about EVM tampering.
The device — larger than the size of a standard mobile sim card and three small batteries — were found wrapped in a black cloth, below the EVM, sources said. District election officer Yogendra Sharma said a probe has been launched to ascertain whether the device had any impact during voting.
Sharma summoned polling officers of Booth No. 56 in Surkhi on Thursday and directed returning officer Suresh Agrawal to submit a report. “I am waiting for a report before taking action. We will send the device for forensic analysis,” said Sharma.
Congress candidate from Surkhi, Kamlesh Baghel, has lodged a complaint naming a local resident, C P Singh, as the brain behind the device. Singh went underground hours after the complaint was lodged.
“Singh phoned me on November 21 for an appointment. He said three EMVs can be manipulated with a single remote. I did not hear him out. On polling day when my agent reported seizure of a device, I recalled Singh’s offer,” said Baghel.
“Singh is on the run ever since I sent my driver to his house to enquire about the device. He sent several texts, saying he can use this device to delete all votes from the EVM.”
One of the texts sent to Baghel’s phone by the suspect reads, “Abi bhi sab kuch ho sakta hai, EVM ki memory ko khali kiya ja sakta hai. Lekin isme apna bhi ghata ho sakta hai. Maine EVM factory mey kaam kiya hai.” (It can still be manipulated. The EVM memory can be wiped out, but this could lead to losses for us too. I have worked in an EVM manufacturing factory).
He sent more than 10 SMSs to the Congress candidate, which was forwarded to the investigating officers. District police have launched a hunt for Singh, who has since reportedly sneaked into Gujarat.
Experts claim that a 2x2 mm chip can receive radio signals from a distance of 100 metres.
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