Manachanallur on high alert as MCC violations galore

Trichy: Following complaints on violations related to election model code of conduct (MCC) in Manachanallur constituency, the Trichy district election department has appointed additional flying squad and a video surveillance team to monitor and prevent violations. While there are 96 sensitive polling booths in the district comprising nine assembly constituencies, Manachanallur segment with 51 sensitive booths alone accounts for 53% of the total booths.The review has come in the wake of a 25-year-old woman dying by suicide in Manachanallur alleging abuse and assault by DMK workers for demanding a gift item. District collector and the district election officer V Saravanan said the election department has received 17 MCC violation complaints in Manachanallur constituency where DMK's incumbent MLA S Kathiravan and AIADMK's R V Bharathan are contesting. The AIADMK camp had been frequently raising complaints against the DMK candidate for alleged poll violations. Collector added that 14 cases have been registered in police stations within the constituency limits. "Flying and static surveillance squads have seized 40,552 gifts, mostly vessels. The value of the confiscated products is estimated at 51.5 lakh," the collector said. To ensure fair conduct of election, Central Reserve Police Force will reside and monitor the situation in Manachanallur, and conduct election flag marches near the 51 sensitive polling booths. While Thuraiyur (reserved), Lalgudi, and Srirangam Assembly segments have three sensitive polling booths each, Musiri has five, Thiruverumbur has eight, Trichy East has 11, and Trichy West has 12 sensitive polling booths, respectively.