Tamil Nadu - Ramanathapuram   

Security tightened in Ramanathapuram

By Our Staff Reporter

RAMANATHAPURAM, SEPT.26. Security has been tightened in and around Ramanathapuram in view of the byelection to the post of the municipal chairman, which fell vacant following the resignation of Bhavani Rajendran (DMK), who was elected to Parliament.

The polling will be held on Monday from 7.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. without any break. It will also be conducted to elect a member for ward No.18. There are eight candidates in the fray for the chairman's post, including R.S. Ramamoorthy of the AIADMK, R.G. Rathinam of the DMK, M. S. Karunanidhi of the BJP.

The local DMK leader, K. Thangam, is also contesting as an independent against the official candidate. Three persons are contesting for the council post for ward No.18.

Considering the trouble-prone nature of Ramanathapuram, the police have brought the town under the security blanket. The Superintendent of Police, Ashok Kumar Dass, told The Hindu that more than 500 police personnel had been deployed in Ramanathapuram alone for `bandobust.' Anti-social elements and problem mongers would be dealt with severely, he said.

Though there were no untoward incidents so far, the police would intensify vigil on the activities of anti-social elements and notorious persons. At least 5 policemen were posted at each of the 40 booths in town, the SP said.

Elaborate arrangements

The municipal administration has made elaborate arrangements to conduct the byelection. The Returning Officer and Commissioner of the Ramanathapuram municipality, Janaki, said all materials needed for the election, including ballot papers, ballot boxes and indelible ink, had already been sent to respective booths.

A total of 40 polling booths had been formed in 18 schools of the town and 250 polling personnel were sent to the booths.

She said polling would be conducted using ballot papers. Those who indulge in impersonation will be arrested immediately, she said.

The counting would be held on Tuesday at the Municipal Higher Secondary School and the results are expected around noon.

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Security tightened in Ramanathapuram

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