Amaravati: The Election Commission is probing the role of officials who were negligent in performing their duties on April 11, the day of polling. It is learnt that EC is preparing the ground to initiate action against officials involved in four such incidents which highlighted irregularities, in the districts of Krishna, Nellore and Visakhapatnam. The polling staff in all these cases will face action, according to officials.

It is further learnt that the Chief Electoral Officer, Gopalakrishna Dwivedi has already sought and received reports from the collectors of the three districts in this regard. Dwivedi has also recommended action by the Election Commission of India against Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers, it is learnt.

Dwivedi has on Tuesday warned all officials involved that stern action would be taken in case of negligence when it comes to safekeeping of the EVMs in strong rooms. He also directed staff across the state to ensure that permission is obtained and any shifting of reserve EVMs if needed, be done in a completely transparent manner. The AP CEO stated that political parties had demanded increased security for strong rooms. In this context, he had sought the DGP's detailed response.

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