NEW DELHI: The Election Commission (EC) on Saturday asserted that the integrity of the polling process remains “uncompromised” after a large number of VVPAT slips were found dumped by the roadside in Bihar’s Samastipur district. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar clarified that the slips were from mock polls conducted before actual voting began and announced the suspension of the assistant returning officer (ARO) responsible for the lapse. “The District Magistrate, Samastipur, was directed to visit the spot and inquire. As these are VVPAT slips of mock polls, the integrity of the polling process remains uncompromised. Contesting candidates have also been informed by the DM. However, the concerned ARO is being suspended for negligence and an FIR is being registered,” CEC K

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