FIR against Napoleon, 5 others

CHENNAI: Cases have been filed against six people, including Union minister of state for social justice and empowerment D Napoleon and Congress MLA Vasantha Kumar DMK district deputy secretary T Senguttuvan for violating the model code of conduct.These are the first cases to be registered since the modelcode of conduct came into force on March 1.Chief electoral officerPraveen Kumar on Wednesday said an FIR was filed against Napoleon fordistributing prizes to the people at a Milad-un-nabi function in Tirunelvelidistrict. "Distributing any freebies including prizes and clothes, is againstthe model code of conduct," he said.He said a case also been filedagainst Vasantha Kumar for distributing school bags to students in Tirunelvelidistrict. DMK MLA Senguttuvan has been charged for distributing clothes to autodrivers in Krishnagiri district, he said.Stating that the electioncommission is seriously looking into all these cases, Praveen Kumar said,"Action will be taken against the violators under the relevant provision of theIndian Penal Code and the Representation of People's Act."PraveenKumar said that two more cases have also been filed in Dharmapuri district forviolating election norms. "One case has been filed against a person who had Rs14 lakh in cash in his possession without any valid documents or proof," hesaid. "However, this case may not be related to any political party." Anotherperson was held in the same district for using a beacon light on his car withouthaving a permit.