Youth who entered into EVM Strong Room in Bhubaneswar is an authorized person, clarifies Khurda Collector

Bhubaneswar: Khurda district Collector Sangram Keshari Mohapatra today clarified that the youth who had entered the EVM Strong Room in Bhubaneswar is an authorized person.

While clarifying about the matter, Mohapatra said that all the CCTVs installed at EVM Strong Room in BJB College are in proper condition. They are running 24×7 and never stopped functioning. The voting was conducted peacefully. The EVMs were sealed in the presence of the agents and candidates of every party as per the election guidelines.

“The youth who had entered the strong room has been authorised by the State Election Commission,” he added.

The collector also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured cops and the general public.

Earlier today, a youth was found entering the restricted zone of the Strong Room. Supporters of some candidates who were present at the spot protested it by creating ruckus and had a scuffle with the cops. Later, police resorted to a lathi-charge to disperse them.

Bhubaneswar DCP Umashankar Das along with several senior officers rushed to the spot. Cops also conducted a flag march around the Strong Room.

The counting of votes is slated to begin at 8 AM tomorrow.