Massive Fire Guts Thousands of EVMs in West Bengal Government Building; Sabotage Angle Under Probe

📅 June 11, 2026 | By Pulse India News Desk

Kolkata, June 11: A massive fire that broke out inside a government building in West Bengal has reportedly destroyed around 4,000 Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), triggering a political storm and raising questions about the safety of election equipment storage.

According to officials, the blaze erupted at a government facility where EVMs and other election-related materials were stored. Firefighters rushed to the spot and battled the flames for several hours before bringing the situation under control. No casualties have been reported so far.

West Bengal Fire Services Minister Sujit Bose stated that authorities are not ruling out any possibility, including sabotage, and a detailed investigation has been ordered to determine the exact cause of the incident. Initial assessments suggest extensive damage to the stored EVM units.

Investigation Underway

A forensic examination of the site has been initiated, while election officials are working to assess the extent of the losses. Authorities are also reviewing surveillance footage and examining whether the fire was caused by an electrical fault or any deliberate act.

Officials emphasized that the damaged machines were reportedly stored units and not currently being used in any ongoing election process. However, the scale of the damage has prompted concerns regarding the storage and security protocols for election equipment.

Political Reactions

The incident has sparked political reactions across the state, with opposition parties demanding a transparent investigation. Several leaders have called for an independent inquiry to ensure public confidence in the electoral process remains intact.

The ruling administration has assured that the probe will be conducted thoroughly and that strict action will be taken if negligence or foul play is established.

Election Infrastructure Under Spotlight

The fire has once again highlighted the importance of robust fire safety measures and secure storage facilities for election infrastructure. Experts believe that modern monitoring systems, periodic inspections, and enhanced security protocols are necessary to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Authorities are expected to release a detailed report once the investigation is completed.