Nagpur: A security lapse at the counting centre and strong room for the Nagpur Division Graduates’ Constituency election has led to the suspension of a Head Constable after CCTV cameras reportedly remained switched off for nearly 20 minutes. The incident, which occurred late at night on October 26, triggered separate inquiries by election authorities and the Nagpur City Police, raising concerns over security arrangements at a sensitive election facility.
The suspended policeman, identified as Head Constable Wankhede, is attached to the Police Headquarters and had been deployed for bandobast duty at the centre. According to police sources, Wankhede allegedly disconnected an electrical connection near the entrance while attempting to switch off a bright halogen light that was disturbing him. The connection was linked to the CCTV camera system, resulting in the cameras going offline.
The incident reportedly took place at around 11 pm when Wankhede, feeling tired, wanted to rest during his duty. A powerful halogen light near the gate was allegedly shining directly on his face. In an attempt to switch off the light, he reportedly removed a connection pin without realising, or without taking into account, that doing so would interrupt the CCTV surveillance system.
As a result, the cameras remained non-functional for approximately 20 minutes, creating a temporary gap in surveillance at a facility where round-the-clock monitoring is considered essential for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
Candidate’s objection triggers inquiry
The lapse came to light after a candidate raised an objection before election officials regarding the CCTV cameras being switched off. The complaint prompted the authorities to examine the circumstances surrounding the interruption and determine whether the surveillance failure had affected the security of the counting centre or strong room.
During the inquiry, officials reportedly examined footage from other operational cameras installed at the premises. The recordings allegedly showed Wankhede removing the connection pin, providing investigators with a basis to establish how the CCTV system had stopped functioning.
Election authorities and the Nagpur City Police subsequently conducted separate inquiries into the incident. Their findings were submitted to the concerned authorities for further action.
Police Commissioner orders suspension
Acting on the findings of the inquiries, Police Commissioner Dr Vishwas Nangre Patil ordered the suspension of Head Constable Wankhede. The disciplinary action underscores the seriousness with which the authorities have viewed the interruption of surveillance at a sensitive election facility.
The incident has brought the security arrangements at the counting centre under scrutiny. CCTV cameras play a crucial role in monitoring access, maintaining a record of activities and ensuring transparency during the storage and counting of ballots. Even a brief interruption can raise questions about whether adequate safeguards are in place to prevent unauthorised access or activity.
While the available account attributes the incident to an attempt to switch off the troublesome halogen light, the episode has highlighted the importance of ensuring that personnel deployed at sensitive locations understand the functioning of security equipment and follow established procedures.
The suspension follows the inquiries into the incident. The available information does not indicate that any ballot tampering or other unauthorised activity occurred during the period when the cameras were switched off. Nevertheless, the episode has underscored the need for uninterrupted surveillance, proper supervision and strict adherence to security protocols at election-related facilities.
