4,723 poll violation cases booked in TN: DGP for elections

Speaking to media, Shukla said that adequate security measures have been taken to ensure free and fair elections in Sulur constituency.

“Over 4123 personnel from paramilitary force and police have been deployed to ensure a round the clock vigil. As a precautionary measure around 76 rowdies and those with criminal background were arrested. In addition, 50 other suspected trouble creators have been booked and are monitored by police,” he said.

The DGP said that like RK Nagar by polls, 26 two-wheeler patrolling teams have been constituted to keep round the clock vigil in the constituency.

“There are 324 polling booths set up in 121 spots. Nine flying squad and nine static teams have been constituted, besides 35 check posts were created at 25 places in Coimbatore district, four in city limits and six in Tirupur district to carry out checks on vehicles,” he added.

Assuring that all out efforts have been taken for the conduct of free and fair polls, the DGP refused to reply to a query on the recommendations made to Election Commission to transfer a few police officials. To a question on when he came to know of a Tahsildar entering a storage room in the Madurai district, the DGP said “I came to know of it only at night. Action is being taken on this issue,” he said.

On the distribution of money to voters by political party members, who had clandestinely camped in marriage halls in Sulur constituency, Shukla said that he would order officials to hold an inquiry.  He also requested the public register their complaints of money distribution by calling 1950.

IG (Elections) Seshasayee, West Zone I G, K Periaiah, DIG Coimbatore Range, Karthikeyan, Coimbatore SP Sujitkumar were among the senior officials who participated in the review meeting.