BJP functionary arrested for obstructing poll official

Trichy: BJP's Thanjavur south district secretary was arrested on Sunday for allegedly preventing an election monitoring officer from performing official duties.A video surveillance team from the Election Commission visited a private marriage hall in Peravurani on Sunday, where a BJP cadre meeting was being held. The team, led by officer Rajkumar, sought to record the proceedings as part of standard election oversight procedures.Veera alias M Veerasingam, 56, and others reportedly objected to the video recording, claiming it was not allowed. Despite explanations from the officials, he intervened and obstructed their work.The confrontation soon turned into a heated argument, during which the BJP functionary allegedly displayed disrespect and physically blocked the team from carrying out their responsibilities.The officials lodged a complaint at Peravurani police station, accusing Veerasingam of hindering public servants in the discharge of their duties. Authorities registered a case against him under sections 126(2) and 132 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertain to obstruction and deterring a public servant from performing official duties.Veerasingam was produced before a magistrate and subsequently remanded in judicial custody.