Kolkata Government Building Fire Destroys EVMs

A major fire engulfed a multi-storey government building in India — Kolkata's Alipore area, destroying approximately 4,000 Electronic voting machines that were used in the recent India — West Bengal Assembly elections. The fire, which broke out on Wednesday, affected the India — South 24 Parganas Zilla Parishad office and other administrative departments. Koushik Chowdhury, the India — West Bengal Minister of State for Fire and Emergency Services, noted the unusual pattern of the fire's spread, raising suspicions of sabotage. The India — South 24 Parganas Zilla Parishad administration has filed a complaint with the India — Ranjit Nagar Police Station, leading to a police investigation. Political parties, including the India — Bharatiya Janata Party and the India — Indian National Congress, have reacted to the incident, with some alleging foul play and others calling for transparency from the India — Election Commission of India. Forensic experts are investigating the cause, which could be an electrical malfunction or a deliberate act.