Archive · 8 Nov 2025
Bihar Election Official Suspended After VVPAT Slips Found Dumped
Imagine election officials have special paper slips that print each vote cast, called VVPAT slips, to make sure everything is fair.
In a village in Bihar, thousands of these slips were found thrown in the trash.
This made people worry if something was wrong with the real election.
However, the officials explained that these slips were only from a practice run, called a 'mock poll,' not from the actual voting day.
Even though the real votes are safe, an election officer was suspended because they were supposed to take care of these practice slips properly.
Now, they are investigating how these slips ended up in the garbage heap.
Thousands of VVPAT slips were discovered dumped in a garbage heap in Samastipur district, Bihar.
An Assistant Returning Officer (ARO) has been suspended for negligence in the disposal of the slips.
Election authorities clarified that the discovered slips were from a mock poll and not from the actual voting process.
The integrity of the actual election process is stated to be unaffected by the incident.
An inquiry has been ordered to investigate the negligence and determine how the mock poll slips ended up on the roadside.
- Who
- Election officials, including an Assistant Returning Officer (ARO), and local residents
- What
- Thousands of VVPAT slips were found dumped in a garbage heap, leading to the suspension of an ARO and an ordered probe. Officials stated the slips were from a mock poll, not actual voting.
- When
- Saturday (discovery and suspension)
- Where
- Sheetalpatty village, Sarairanjan Assembly constituency, Samastipur district, Bihar
- Why
- To investigate the negligence in the disposal of mock poll VVPAT slips and to address public concerns regarding election integrity.
Discovery of VVPAT Slips
Election Commission's Explanation
Election Integrity Concerns
Discovery of VVPAT Slips
The discovery of thousands of VVPAT slips scattered in a garbage heap in Samastipur district raised serious questions and concerns among locals about the conduct and integrity of the elections.
Election Commission's Explanation
Election authorities clarified that the discovered VVPAT slips were from a mock poll, not from the actual election, and stated that the integrity of the actual polling process remained uncompromised.
Handling of Mock Poll Materials
Discovery of VVPAT Slips
The incident occurred due to the alleged negligence of election officials in the disposal of VVPAT slips, leading to an inquiry and the suspension of an Assistant Returning Officer (ARO).
Election Commission's Explanation
While acknowledging negligence in disposal by the ARO, the Election Commission focused on assuring the public that the real election process was not affected and emphasized that an investigation would determine the exact circumstances and any procedural lapses.
- Incident
- Thousands of VVPAT slips found dumped in a garbage heap
- Location
- Sheetalpatty village, Sarairanjan Assembly constituency, Samastipur district, Bihar
- Date of Discovery
- Saturday
- Action Taken
- Assistant Returning Officer (ARO) suspended; inquiry ordered
- Official Explanation
- Slips were from a mock poll; negligence in disposal by ARO; integrity of actual voting process not affected
- Investigation Status
- Ongoing; detailed probe to determine how slips ended up in garbage
- Election Context
- First phase of Bihar Assembly elections held on November 6 for the Sarairanjan constituency
Sources
Rahul Claims BJP Leaders Voted Both in Delhi, First Phase of Bihar Polls
AAP alleges widespread electoral fraud by BJP in Bihar polls
Outreach Or Mere Tokenism?
BJP leader Rakesh Sinha justifies voting in Bihar after Delhi polls
Vote theft: We will launch struggle to protect democracy, says K'taka CM as he releases papers
EC orders probe after VVPAT slips discovered on roadside in Bihar’s Samastipur, officer suspended
VVPAT Slips Found on Roadside After Bihar Phase 1: Was Election Process Compromised? What Poll Officials Say
Bihar Assembly Elections 2025: Election official suspended, FIR registered after VVPAT slips found on roadside
Bihar: VVPAT slips found on roadside, official suspended
VVPAT Slips Found Dumped On Road In Bihar, Poll Official Suspended
EC orders probe after VVPAT slips found dumped in Bihar’s Samastipur, ARO suspended
Thousands of VVPAT slips found dumped in Bihar, probe ordered
