Security Concerns Arise Over EVM Strong Room Access in Jorhat

In Jorhat, Assam, serious allegations have emerged regarding unauthorized individuals being found in the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) strong room. Congress candidate Pallavi Saikia Gogoi raised concerns after discovering individuals without valid identification inside the premises. This incident has prompted police intervention and calls for a thorough investigation into the security protocols surrounding the EVMs. Gogoi emphasized the need for accountability and questioned how such a lapse could occur. As political parties express their worries, officials have yet to provide a detailed response to the situation. The integrity of the electoral process is at stake as scrutiny intensifies.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 25, 2026, 13:28 IST

Security Lapse in Jorhat's EVM Strong Room

The Jorhat Government Girls’ School where EVM's are kept

Jorhat, April 25: Concerns regarding a potential security breach have emerged in Jorhat, Assam, after reports surfaced of individuals without valid identification being present in the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) strong room. This incident has raised alarms among political factions and led to prompt action from law enforcement.

The situation was brought to light when Congress candidate Pallavi Saikia Gogoi visited the strong room at the Jorhat Government Girls’ School and discovered unauthorized individuals on the premises.

Gogoi confronted one of these individuals, who failed to present a valid ID. She immediately notified the district authorities, prompting a response from the Jorhat Police to investigate the matter.

Typically, access to the strong room, where EVMs are securely stored, is restricted to authorized personnel with appropriate identification.

The presence of these unauthorized individuals has sparked significant concern among political representatives and the general public.

Pallavi Saikia Gogoi commented, “During our visit to the strong room at Jorhat Government Girls’ School, we observed that certain individuals had been stationed there for several days without valid identification. This is a serious oversight that raises questions about the security measures in place.”

She further pointed out inconsistencies in the enforcement of identification protocols.

“While our team members were issued proper ID cards, some individuals linked to another party were found without any valid identification. When questioned, one could only provide an outdated or unclear ID,” she stated.

Expressing her apprehension, Gogoi remarked, “It is alarming to allow individuals without proper credentials to linger near a strong room housing EVMs. We have alerted the administration and expect a comprehensive investigation into how this situation arose and its duration.”

She also mentioned that immediate actions were taken to rectify the issue. “We ensured that those without identification were removed from the premises. However, the critical question remains: how were they allowed entry in the first place?” she added.

As of now, officials have not released a comprehensive statement addressing the allegations.