Tamil Nadu - Coimbatore   

Election heat picks up as poll day draws near

COIMBATORE: With April 13, the polling day fast approaching, accusations, rumours and reports of distribution of cash to voters by candidates, are generating more heat among political parties.

Coimbatore North AIADMK candidate T. Malaravan complained of attack by a group of persons while trying to prevent the distribution of cash to voters in Vadavalli on Saturday night. Alleging that a DMK ward Councillor Chinna Thangam was distributing cash to voters in Kalveeranpalayam, Mr. Malaravan, along with party cadre, tried to videograph the incident. But the camera was damaged and Mr. Malaravan was attacked, reportedly by a group of DMK activists.

Angered by the incident, AIADMK cadre stage a road block. Deputy Superintendent of Police, Perur, R. Mutharasu along with Vadavalli Inspector S Kanaga Sundaram rushed to the spot and pacified the protestors, assuring action. However, the DMK cadre said that they were only seeking votes and not distributing cash.

Based on a complaint preferred by both the parties, Vadavalli police have registered a case against 12 AIADMK cadre, including Mr. Malaravan and against two of the DMK.

The situation was brought under control. However, in order to instil confidence among the public, the police later took out a flag march in the area.

Cases were also booked against two persons on Sunday for allegedly receiving money from a candidate. City Police sources said the two were unable to identify the person who distributed the cash.

In another incident, following reports about a councillor in Mayileripalayam Panchayat in Kinathukkadavu Assembly Constituency distributing cash to voters, the Static Squad and Nodal Teams rushed to the area and held inquiries under instructions from the District Election Officer P. Umanath. The teams, on information from the villagers, conducted a check at the house of the said councilor but no cash or poll-related material was found. However, a case was registered for the said distribution of cash to voters that took place in the area late on Saturday night.

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