CCTV shutdown allegation at Barasat strong room triggers tension ahead of vote counting

Tension escalated at Barasat Government College on Saturday after allegations surfaced that CCTV surveillance at the EVM strong room was briefly disrupted ahead of vote counting scheduled for May 4. The centre, which will handle counting for Barasat, Deganga, Ashoknagar, and Habra constituencies, is mandated to maintain round-the-clock surveillance as per Election Commission guidelines.

Ashoknagar Trinamool Congress candidate Narayan Goswami alleged that the CCTV system’s output monitor remained switched off between 8:05 AM and 8:22 AM. He rushed to the site upon learning of the incident and lodged formal complaints with the Returning Officer, election authorities, and district administration, demanding an explanation for the lapse.

Goswami stated that he had earlier warned of strong action if surveillance was interrupted, and reiterated that further steps, including protests, could follow if a satisfactory explanation is not provided. He also indicated that the observer has assured a report on the incident within a stipulated timeframe.

The Election Commission of India, however, clarified that while the display monitor may have been switched off, the CCTV cameras inside the strong room remained fully operational and recording was uninterrupted. Authorities indicated that the issue may be linked to a technical fault, though an inquiry has been initiated to determine the exact cause.

Amid the growing political friction, security was tightened at the site with central forces deployed and senior officers monitoring the situation. While allegations and counter-allegations continued, the administration stated that the situation remains under control as strong rooms across the state remain under heightened scrutiny in the run-up to counting day.