"Allegations are aimed at disturbing public peace ": ECI orders action against suspended police official who alleged EVM tampering during Maharashtra polls

Pune (Maharashtra) [India], April 19 (ANI): The Election Commission of India (ECI) has responded to allegations made by suspended Maharashtra police officer Ranjeet Kasale about Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) tampering. The Commission said the claims were made by a "disgruntled police officer" who is under suspension.
A video in which Kasale makes allegations against the ECI regarding EVM tampering was shared by the Indian National Congress on their official 'X' account.
Responding to the Congress post, the Election Commission said that the protocol followed in handling EVMs leaves no room for tampering. A report has been requested from the District Magistrate (DM) and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) through the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), and further action will be taken based on the report.
"Allegation comes from a disgruntled police officer (under suspension). Though strict legal admin. protocol in which EVMs are placed there is no possibility of removal of EVMs, report has been called from DM & SSP through CEO considering its seriousness. Action(s) will follow the report," the ECI said in its post on 'X'.

The ECI also shared a report on the incident, which stated that Ranjit Kasale, a Police Sub-Inspector (PSI), was not on election duty during the Maharashtra Assembly polls. It said that the allegations were made with the intention of disturbing public order and encouraging violence.
"Official report by DEO and SSP Beed: dismissed PSI Ranjit Kasale was not on election duty during MH Assembly polls. The allegations are aimed at disturbing public peace & tranquility, inciting people for violence against state. DEO directed to take action against Kasale," the ECI's 'X' post added.
The District Election Officer (DEO) of Beed also informed the ECI that an FIR has been registered against Kasale for spreading false information about the EVM storage process.
"DEO Beed has informed that today an FIR has been filed against the dismissed Police officer for spreading rumours against EVM storage thereby jeopardizing the public peace and tranquility by his statement on 17/04. ECI had asked for a report followed by strict action," the ECI said in another post.
The Congress party had raised several allegations against the ECI regarding EVM tampering following the Maharashtra Assembly election results. (ANI)