Key Facts
On June 10, 2026, a massive fire broke out in a nine-storey government building in Kolkata's Alipore area, destroying around 4,000 electronic voting machines (EVMs) stored on the ninth floor. The building houses the South 24 Parganas Zila Parishad, the District Forest Officer's office, and the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan office. Minister of State for Fire and Emergency Services Koushik Chowdhury confirmed the incident and raised concerns about possible sabotage.
Details of the Incident
The fire started in the afternoon on the third and fourth floors, but quickly spread to the eighth and ninth floors, where the EVMs were stored. Remarkably, the fifth, sixth, and seventh floors remained unaffected. Chowdhury noted the unusual pattern, stating, "It is not normal. The fire services personnel were also called pretty late." Police have launched an investigation, and a four-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed. Forensic experts collected samples from the site to determine the cause.
Political Reactions
The incident sparked a political controversy, with the Trinamool Congress accusing the Election Commission of India (ECI) of mismanagement. In a statement, the party said, "Mysteriously destroyed in fire. 4,000 Control Units. 4,000 Ballot Units. 4,000 VVPATs were linked to Kasba, Jadavpur, Behala East, Behala West, Metiaburuz, Satgachia and multiple assembly constituencies under Diamond Harbour sub-division." They questioned whether the fire was an accident or a deliberate attempt to destroy evidence of tampering with democracy.
Impact and Investigation
The destruction of these EVMs, used in at least 10 constituencies during the recent state assembly elections, raises serious questions about electoral integrity. The ECI has been asked to respond. Meanwhile, the SIT and forensic teams are working to ascertain whether the fire was accidental or intentional. An FIR has been lodged by the additional district magistrate.
What Readers Should Know
- The EVMs were stored in a room on the ninth floor of the building.
- The fire spread unusually from lower floors to upper floors while skipping intermediate floors.
- Sabotage has not been ruled out, and a thorough investigation is underway.
- Political parties have demanded a transparent probe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many EVMs were destroyed in the Kolkata fire?
Approximately 4,000 electronic voting machines (EVMs), including control units, ballot units, and VVPATs, were destroyed.
Where was the fire and what caused it?
The fire broke out in a nine-storey government building in Alipore, Kolkata, housing the South 24 Parganas Zila Parishad. The cause is under investigation; sabotage has not been ruled out.
Which constituencies were affected by the EVM destruction?
The EVMs were used in at least 10 constituencies across Kolkata, North 24 Parganas, and South 24 Parganas, including Kasba, Jadavpur, Behala East, Behala West, Metiaburuz, Satgachia, and others under Diamond Harbour sub-division.
What action has been taken after the fire?
An FIR has been lodged, a four-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed, and forensic experts have collected samples. The district magistrate is also probing the incident.