Imphal, February 17: In connection with the snatching of EVM from 6/5 Kyamgei Awang Leikai polling station under Keirao A/C during the second phase of polling and based on the subsequent report furnished by BSF, the Election Commission of India has issued notices to Chief Minister O Ibobi and Minister Allaudin Khan.

The BSF report asserted that BSF personnel were restrained by the CM when some women snatched EVM from the polling station after the polling was over.

The Minister was also present when the incident took place.

Acting on the report, notices were issued to the Chief Minister and Minister Allaudin Khan seeking clarification on the roles played by them in the incident.

They have been asked to submit their clarification by February 19. When about 200 women snatched EVM from the polling station, O Ibobi restrained the BSF personnel from firing in the air to thwart the attempt, mentioned the report.

Meanwhile, a statement issued by the DC/DEO Imphal East informed that an enquiry was conducted to establish the facts and circumstances under which the EVM was snatched away and damaged.

Reports were culled from the security in-charge, Presiding Officer and Polling Officer no 1 deployed at the polling station.

Detailed enquiry report has been forwarded to the ECI who have taken a serious view of the matter.

The ECI has, in turn, instructed the State/District Election Authorities to seek explanation from the concerned individuals who might have prevented the security force and other officers on duty from discharging their election and official duties.

As such, explanation has been sought from Chief Minister O Ibobi and Minister Allaudin Khan submissable to the DEO on or before February 19. The Election Commission of India has also directed that no extension of time beyond February 19 shall be allowed and the explanation furnished be referred to the ECI.