PONDICHERRY: The District Collector and District Election Officer of Pondicherry, G. Theva Needhi Dhas, told reporters here on Thursday that 65 bags (each of which contained 25 kg of rice) were found in the house of a politically-influential person in Ariyankuppam near here earlier in the day. The Revenue authorities, upon complaints of stocking of rice in the house, rushed to the site along with the local police officials and seized the rice bags. It was alleged that the rice was meant for distribution before the polls. An investigation had been initiated.

Handbags seized

Mr. Dhas said that in another incident in Villianoor near here a search was conducted in the house of a staff of Villianoor Commune Panchayat Ganesan on Wednesday. It was found that 934 handbags (pouches) with the portrait of a candidate contesting the Villianoor seat were found stored in the house. All the materials were seized. The election authorities had recommended to the Commune panchayat authorities to take proper action against the official. Mr. Dhas said that a meeting of the District Standing Committee was held earlier in the day under his chairmanship. Leaders of the various parties participated in the deliberations and it was impressed on them that utmost care should be taken to ensure free and peaceful polling in the Union Territory. Mr. Dhas said that the leaders of the parties assured him that they would extend full cooperation.

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