Sealed EVMs stored in strong room
Bhilai, Apr 23, 2019: Polling began amidst tight security on Tuesday at 07:00 hrs. While the polling stations spread across the district recorded an average voter turnout of 13.67 percent in the first two hours of voting, most of the booths almost wore a festive look till 12:00 hrs. A majority of women voters, in particular, came early to cast their votes. The poll percentage recorded by 09:00 hrs had barely gone above 15% percent. The percentage recorded at 11:00 hrs was 26.48 which got elevated to 40.95 at 13:00 hrs. At 15:00 hrs, the polling percentage was recorded at 55.69%. According to the latest date provided at the time of filing of this report, the District Election Officer had given the estimated figure of 67.07%. The actual figures would become available only after all the EVM machines reach the strong room.
More than 2800 jawans / officers district police have been deployed. All the gazetted officers of District Police conducted patrolling across their Police Station limits for the entire day. AD Squad and Quick Response Teams were positioned at different places across the district. Elaborate arrangements were made to ensure free and fair polls. Overall polling was peaceful in the District. District Election Officer and Superintendent of Police have expressed gratitude towards denizens for their support in conduct of peaceful polling.
After conclusion of the polling, the polling parties sealed the EVMs and other material and carried the same amid tight security to the Strong Room, which has been established at the premises Rungta Group of College in Kurud. The polling parties deployed in booths which come under Saja and Bemetara constituencies deposited the sealed ballot units and control units at the Strong Room established in Bemetara.
Elaborate security arrangement has been made at the premises of Rungta College where the EVMs will be stored. Multi-tier security arrangement has been made at the Strong Room. The armed jawans will be deployed for the security of ballot units and control units at the Strong Room.