A probe is underway after a major fire that broke out in a multi-storey government building in Kolkata’s Alipore area has gutted approximately 4,000 Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), including control units, ballot units, and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) devices, triggering widespread concern over electoral record security and prompting a high-level investigation.
The blaze occurred on June 10, 2026, at the South 24 Parganas Zila Parishad office building, which also houses district units of several other administrative departments. The affected EVMs had been used in around 10 Assembly constituencies during the recent West Bengal elections held in April 2026. No injuries were reported, but the incident has raised serious questions about the storage and protection of critical election materials.
Unusual pattern
According to preliminary accounts from officials and the West Bengal Minister of State for Fire and Emergency Services, Kaushik Chowdhury, the fire is believed to have originated on the third or fourth floor of the building. However, it spread in an unusual manner to the eighth and ninth floors, where the EVMs were stored, while causing relatively limited damage to some intermediate levels. Chowdhury described the pattern as “not normal” and flagged the possibility of foul play.
Investigation underway
Kolkata Police have registered an FIR based on a complaint from the South 24 Parganas administration and formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine the cause. Forensic experts have visited the site to collect samples, though residual heat initially hampered access to the upper floors. Investigators are looking into multiple angles, including electrical faults, negligence, or deliberate sabotage.
As of the latest updates, no concrete conclusions have emerged from the forensic analysis, and no arrests have been reported. Authorities emphasize that scientific evidence will play a key role in determining the origin and spread of the fire. The Election Commission of India is also expected to be involved in assessing the broader implications for any potential election-related disputes.
Political storm
The destruction of these machines has sparked political reactions across parties. Opposition voices, including from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), have alleged possible motives linked to evidence preservation in a post-election scenario following the BJP’s reported strong performance. Some Congress leaders have called for a Supreme Court-monitored probe to restore public confidence in the electoral process. Ruling side representatives and officials maintain that a thorough, impartial investigation is underway without premature conclusions.
The story continues to evolve, with calls for transparency gaining momentum amid West Bengal’s politically charged environment.