In a statement issued after the controversy, especially in South Goa, the Chief Election Officer said, after polling was completed, EVMs, VVPATs and other polled materials were properly packed and sealed. 

“All these EVMs and other materials were transported from polling station to receiving centres at taluka headquarters with proper police security cover. Movement of EVMs was also tracked through GPS,” he said. 

At the taluka headquarters, the release added, the EVMs were kept Assembly constituency-wise in vehicles and then transported to District strong room at Borda with proper police security. Movement of EVMs was also tracked through GPS. 

From closing of poll till transportation to taluka headquarters it took 3-4 hours as some polling stations were located in far flung areas. From taluka headquarter these EVMs were brought to district strong room only after midnight. The district strong room has three tier security, including a company of Central Armed Police Force. The strong room has been put on continuous CCTV surveillance, the CEO said. 

“At the strong room these EVMs were again arranged polling station-wise and Assembly constituency-wise before they were stored in racks designed as per ECI specifications. EVMs used at all 810 polling stations of South Goa constituency were arranged in the manner as explained above and were stored in strong room,” the CEO said adding that the process takes several hours. 

“However, for this foolproof police security is arranged and the entire process is videographed. Authorised agents of candidates are also allowed to witness the process of receiving EVM and polling materials, checking them and then storing them in the strong room as per ECI specifications,” the release says.

The release concludes, agents of three candidates witnessed this entire process since last night till today morning. After completing all the due procedure strong room was sealed at 10 in the morning today. This sealing was videographed. Sealing was also attended by agents of candidates.