The Hindu : Front Page : Police crack the whip on political parties in Tirunelveli

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Mar 20, 2006

Front Page

Front Page

Police crack the whip on political parties in Tirunelveli

P. Sudhakar

Book 12 cases under Prevention of Disfigurement Act for writing poll-related graffiti on walls

TIRUNELVELI: The police here have started cracking the whip on political parties by booking 12 cases under Prevention of Disfigurement Act 1959 so far. Two cases each have been registered under Melapalayam, Pettai, Palayamkottai and Tirunelveli Junction police station limits and one case each under Perumalpuram and Thatchanallur police station limits.

The cases have been registered against functionaries of political parties for writing poll-related graffiti on public buildings and walls of private buildings without obtaining permission in writing from proprietors in violation of the Election Commission's model code of conduct.

The violation will attract imprisonment, which may be extended up to a period of a year or a fine of Rs.5,000 or both.

To intensify the drive against such violation, a special wing comprising an Inspector, two Sub-Inspectors and six constables has been established under the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Thiagarajan.

Besides, it is identifying sensitive areas to increase surveillance during the run-up to elections and on the date of polling. The Tirunelveli Rural Police have established an election wing in its Special Branch office, but they have not registered a case so far.

The public and political parties who come across poll violations of any sort can contact the law-enforcers at 0462-2577830.

As the police have conducted an all-party meeting recently, Collector Atul Anand plans to convene a similar meeting on Monday to seek their cooperation for ensuring peaceful electioneering and smooth conduct of elections.

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