Face2News/Chandigarh
In view of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission is closely monitoring social media platforms and is promptly taking action on the sharing of incorrect information or facts regarding the electoral process, Model Code of Conduct, and EVMs.
The Election Commission has taken immediate action on a similar video, in which it was being claimed that fake EVMs have been caught in Panipat, Haryana. As soon as the matter came to notice, Haryana's Chief Electoral Officer, Sh. Anurag Agarwal directed the Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer, Panipat to take action on it. Upon scrutiny, it was found that this video was fake and had also been circulated during the 2019 Legislative Assembly elections by mischievous elements.
Sh. Anurag Agarwal, disclosed that in the 24-Panipat Rural Assembly constituency, on 21st October 2019, the Officer appointed for the election had gone to the polling station at SD College, Panipat (where the polling centre was set up), keeping the EVM in his car. At that time, an attempt was made by mischievous elements to create a fake video by mixing and editing photos and videos of the car. The concerned Returning Officer investigated the fake video and dealt with the matter promptly. He informed that all EVMs in Panipat district are secure.
In this regard, the District Electoral Officer has written to the Police Superintendent, Panipat, to file a case against the person uploading the video on YouTube and to take action to remove the video from YouTube.
Sh. Anurag Agarwal, appealed to the public to refrain from sharing misinformation on social media regarding elections. He stated that strict action will be taken against those sharing false information or fake news.