Tamil Nadu - Madurai   

“By-election was peaceful, but for some stray incidents”

MADURAI: By-poll to ward 52 of Madurai Corporation held on September 18 was peaceful except for some stray incidents alleging assault by Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam members, according to Police Commissioner K. Nandabalan. In his counter affidavit filed before the Madras High Court Bench here on Tuesday, he said: “Deputy Mayor P.M. Mannan and V.K. Gurusamy (Corporation east zone chairman) were involved in different assault cases which were registered.”

The counter was filed in reply to a petition filed by All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam candidate seeking re-election to the ward. The State Election Commission, Collector and the Returning Officer too had filed counter affidavits.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice A.K. Ganguly and Justice K. Chandru adjourned the matter to Monday to enable the petitioner to file his reply to the counter affidavits. They extended an interim order directing the State Election Commission not to declare the result of the by-poll.

The Police Commissioner had said that totally seven cases were registered in connection with the by-poll. “The newspaper reports (on by-poll being marred by violence) are self contradictory about the electoral offences committed. The reports were not able to identify the intruders as booth capturers but were based on presumption,” he added.

Seventy-four per cent of voters had turned up only because of the secured feeling created by the police, Mr. Nandabalan said and denied that Assistant Commissioner of Police S. Kumaravel was shifted due to a complaint lodged by the writ petitioner with the State Election Commission. “In fact, the said ACP was asked to attend an inquiry by CB-CID in Chennai.”

On the contrary, the State Election Commission in its counter affidavit claimed that the Assistant Commissioner was transferred in response to a telegram sent by the petitioner alleging that the officer was biased towards the ruling party. “The petitioner himself had admitted that the Commission responded to his complaint,” the counter read.

Election Observer K. Gopal had reported to the Commission on September 19 that very strict vigil was maintained in the polling booths though there was a tense situation owing to presence of a large crowd. “Further he has opined that there is no need for any re-polling…as there is nothing adversely noticed in the presiding officer’s diary.”

The Observer had also said that there were attempts by local leaders and unruly elements at every level to obstruct the process. But they could not succeed due to timely action by the official machinery. Collector S.S. Jawahar too had filed a similar affidavit and sought to dismiss the writ petition.

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