Election authorities have stepped up surveillance in the Manachanallur constituency in Tiruchi district following complaints of distribution of cash and gifts to voters.
“An additional flying squad and an additional video surveillance team has been constituted to strengthen vigil following complaints of distribution of gifts and cash to voter received at the District Election Control Room and the Returning Officer.
Over the last one week, 40,552 gift items (all utensils) worth ₹51.56 lakh have been seized in the constituency. Based on inquiries on 17 complaints, 14 cases have been registered in the constituency,” District Election Officer and Collector V. Saravanan said in a press release.
Following the developments, a joint inspection was conducted by the Returning Officer and the police and 51 polling booths in 20 polling stations had been identified as vulnerable in Manachanallur constituency and security had been stepped up with the deployment of central police forces. Central forces had been stationed in the constituency limits and flag marches were conducted in vulnerable areas, Mr. Saravanan said.
These apart, three polling booths each in Srirangam, Lalgudi, and Thuraiyur constituencies, 12 in Tiruchi West, 11 in Tiruchi East, eight in Tiruverumbur, and five in Musiri have been identified as vulnerable in the district. Flying squads and static surveillance teams were engaged in monitoring the situation as per the directions of the Election Commission, the Collector added.
