Kolkata Police has established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine the circumstances surrounding a devastating fire that destroyed approximately 4,000 Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) stored in a government building in the city’s Alipore area. The incident has triggered widespread concern and intensified scrutiny over how the blaze spread through the structure, particularly because the machines were housed on upper floors that sustained extensive damage.
The fire broke out at the administrative building of the South 24 Parganas district administration, a multi-storey government complex that accommodates several state departments and offices. Authorities have launched a detailed investigation to determine the cause of the incident and assess whether any irregularities contributed to the destruction.
SIT Constituted to Conduct Detailed Probe
According to police officials, a four-member Special Investigation Team has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive inquiry into the fire. Investigators are expected to examine forensic evidence, review building infrastructure, assess fire safety mechanisms, and determine whether the incident was accidental or involved any deliberate act.
Officials stated that the investigation remains at an early stage, and conclusions regarding the cause of the fire will only be drawn after forensic and scientific analysis is completed. Samples collected from the affected areas are expected to play a crucial role in establishing how the fire originated and spread.
Thousands of EVMs Destroyed
Authorities confirmed that around 4,000 Electronic Voting Machines, including associated voting equipment, were destroyed in the blaze. The machines were reportedly stored on the eighth and ninth floors of the building and were linked to several Assembly constituencies within the region.
The destruction of such a large number of EVMs has generated significant public attention, given their importance in India’s electoral process. Officials indicated that the affected machines had been stored after use in previous elections and were being kept in designated storage facilities within the building. 
Questions Raised Over Fire’s Unusual Spread
One of the most striking aspects of the incident is the reported pattern of damage within the building. Preliminary observations suggest that the fire may have originated on the third or fourth floor. However, authorities have expressed concern over how the flames allegedly reached the eighth and ninth floors, where the EVMs were stored, while some intermediate floors appeared to suffer comparatively limited damage.
This unusual pattern has become a key focus of the investigation. Fire and emergency services officials have acknowledged that understanding the route taken by the blaze will be critical to determining whether structural, electrical, or other factors contributed to the incident.
Investigators are expected to analyze ventilation systems, electrical wiring, stairwells, and other possible pathways that may have enabled the fire to spread through the building.
Firefighting Operations Lasted Nearly a Day
The fire was first reported during the morning hours, prompting a large-scale emergency response. Multiple fire engines were deployed to the scene as firefighters battled intense flames and heavy smoke.
The operation continued for several hours, with emergency personnel working to prevent the fire from spreading further and to protect nearby structures. Officials reported that it took nearly 24 hours to fully bring the situation under control due to the intensity of the blaze and the complexity of the building.
The prolonged firefighting effort also delayed forensic teams from entering certain sections of the structure, as extreme heat persisted even after the flames had been extinguished.
Forensic Examination Underway
Forensic experts have begun collecting evidence from the site, although access to some of the most heavily damaged areas has been challenging. Investigators are expected to examine electrical systems, burn patterns, and structural damage to determine the fire’s point of origin.
Authorities emphasized that forensic findings will be essential in establishing whether the incident resulted from an electrical malfunction, accidental circumstances, negligence, or any other factor.
The SIT is expected to coordinate closely with fire department officials, forensic specialists, and administrative authorities throughout the investigation. 
Political Reactions Intensify
The destruction of thousands of EVMs has also sparked political debate, with various parties demanding transparency regarding the circumstances of the fire. Questions have been raised about the storage and security of election-related equipment and whether adequate safeguards were in place.
Political leaders from multiple parties have called for a thorough and impartial investigation, arguing that the public deserves clear answers about how such a significant loss occurred within a government facility.
The incident has further fueled discussions regarding the preservation of election records and the security measures surrounding voting infrastructure.
Focus on Accountability and Transparency
As investigators continue their work, authorities face increasing pressure to provide a detailed explanation of the incident and ensure accountability if any lapses are identified. The findings of the SIT and forensic teams are expected to play a decisive role in clarifying the circumstances surrounding one of the most significant losses of electoral equipment in recent years.
For now, officials maintain that all possibilities remain open and that the investigation will proceed based on scientific evidence and factual findings. The outcome of the probe is likely to be closely watched by political parties, election authorities, and the public alike as questions continue to surround the destruction of thousands of EVMs in the Alipore fire.
Information in this report is based on official statements and ongoing investigations. Final conclusions will depend on the findings of the Special Investigation Team and forensic experts.