Fire 'Jumps Floors', Destroys 4,000 EVMs In Kolkata: Unusual Bengal Blaze Pattern Sparks Probe
Fire 'Jumps Floors', Destroys 4,000 EVMs In Kolkata: Unusual Bengal Blaze Pattern Sparks Probe Written By, Last Updated: June 12, 2026, 23:09 IST The charred
Fire 'Jumps Floors', Destroys 4,000 EVMs In Kolkata: Unusual Bengal Blaze Pattern Sparks Probe Written By, Last Updated: June 12, 2026, 23:09 IST The charred machines comprised thousands of control units, ballot units, and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units used in the recent assembly elections Curiously, the flames bypassed several intermediate levels to heavily engulf the eighth and ninth floors, where the massive repository of EVMs was securely stored. Image/X A massive blaze inside a multi-storeyed administrative complex in South Kolkata has resulted in the total destruction of approximately 4,000 Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Presenting the preliminary findings on Thursday, West Bengal Fire and Emergency Services Minister Kaushik Chowdhury confirmed that an official First Information Report (FIR) has been registered, launching a high-level police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The sudden destruction of vital electoral equipment has prompted intense political speculation and administrative concern across the state. The fire erupted at the ten-storey administrative building of the South 24 Parganas Zilla Parishad, located in the prominent Alipore locality of Kolkata.
The facility accommodates multiple state departments alongside the critical storage zones. According to ministerial assessments, the charred machines comprised thousands of control units, ballot units, and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units that had been actively deployed across ten assembly constituencies during the state’s recent legislative elections. Unusual Trajectory Triggers Sabotage Probe Speaking to the press after taking stock of the situation at the Alipore site, Minister Kaushik Chowdhury raised serious concerns regarding the atypical nature of the fire’s progression. Initial reports indicated that the blaze was first detected on the lower storeys, specifically the second and third floors. Curiously, the flames bypassed several intermediate levels to heavily engulf the eighth and ninth floors, where the massive repository of EVMs was securely stored. Given this highly unusual vertical leap, the administration has refused to rule out foul play. The minister noted that the pattern of destruction does not align with a standard electrical or structural accident, prompting investigators to thoroughly examine whether a deliberate act of sabotage took place.
Forensic specialists and scientific teams have cordoned off the premises to gather soot samples, electronic logs, and physical evidence, though residual heat inside the structure has hampered immediate collection efforts. Political Fallout and Accountability The incident has triggered an immediate political storm in West Bengal. Pointing out that various stakeholders had previously approached the judiciary to ensure the strict preservation of election machinery and corresponding closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage, political leaders are demanding swift accountability from the Election Commission of India. The formal legal complaint was filed by the Additional District Magistrate of South 24 Parganas at the Alipore Police Station. While the local police grid investigates multiple angles, the state fire department continues its cooling operations to eliminate hidden pocket fires within the building. Security has been substantially intensified around the administrative zone as the state awaits the conclusive forensic analysis. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Pathikrit Sen Gupta Pathikrit Sen Gupta is a Senior Associate Editor with News18.com and likes to cut a long story short.
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