Amid heightened political tension ahead of Bihar’s poll results on Friday, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on Thursday alleged irregularities after a truck entered the Sasaram counting centre, claiming it was loaded with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The video shared by the party on X triggered speculation and concern.
However, the Rohtas district administration promptly rejected the allegations. District Magistrate and District Election Officer Udita Singh clarified that the vehicle was carrying only empty steel boxes, not EVMs.
“After receiving information about the incident, the trucks were inspected at the entrance of the counting centre located at Takiya Bazar Samiti, Sasaram. The inspection was conducted in the presence of candidates and their supporters,” read a statement from the DM’s office on X. “The entire process was video recorded, and all boxes were found empty. The claim of ‘trucks loaded with EVMs’ is completely untrue,” it added.
Speaking to reporters, DM Singh stated that the truck entered the counting centre at 7:59 pm on Wednesday after undergoing standard police checks and proper logbook entry. She confirmed that a district administration team inspected the truck following the viral claims and verified all boxes in front of party representatives.
“The truck was parked nearly 500 metres away from the strong room. Every single box was opened and checked in front of political party agents and supporters,” she said. Singh also urged the public to avoid spreading false information, noting that the period before counting day is extremely sensitive.
The Bihar Chief Electoral Officer later reposted the Rohtas administration’s clarification on X, affirming that no irregularities or violations were found.