1,000 kg of rice meant to induce voters seized in Tirupur

Acting on a tip off, a team of flying squad officials inspected a temple located at Pattakaranpudur in Veeranampalayam panchayat in Kangeyam. They found huge quantity of rice in about 92 bags with each weighing 10 kilograms stocked up for distribution.

However, the flying squad sleuths did not know who kept the rice bags. Following this, the rice bags were seized and kept in the Kangeyam Panchayat Union office.

“So far none has claimed ownership for the rice bags. Preliminary inquiries revealed that they were meant to be given as bribe for voters. We are holding an inquiry to know the person,” said an official on Tuesday.   Meanwhile, arrangements are in place for the local body polls to be conducted in two phases on December 27 and 30 in Coimbatore district. Five panchayat unions Madukarai, Kinathukadavu, Pollachi (North), Pollachi (South) and Anaimalai will face polls in first phase on December 27 and Karamadai, Annur, Sarkar Samakulam, Perianaickenpalayam, Sulur, Thondamuthur and Sultanpet unions will go for polls in the second phase.

Anganwadi workers and noon meal workers have been involved in distribution of booth slips. A total of 1,520 polling booths, including 642 for polls in first phase and 878 in seven unions in phase two polls have been set up in the district.

Of them, 212 polling booths have been identified as tense and were provided with additional police security. Also CCTV’s have been fixed to maintain round the clock vigil. Eighteen flying squads are maintaining a tight vigil to prevent voters being bribed by the political parties.

As Tasmac shops were declared holidays from Wednesday evening to December 30, violators will be dealt with severely, said a police official.