MADURAI: Rural police have summoned over 250 people for receiving cash, meant for luring voters, from political parties in the district. While 14 persons were arrested so far for disbursing cash to voters, nine cases have been registered in connection with the crime.
With just two days to go for the assembly election, parties have intensified their cash distribution. Parties distribute Rs 200 to Rs 300 per voter depending upon the area. Both major parties, AIADMK and DMK, have been involved in cash distribution, but most of the money seized during distribution in the district belongs to AIADMK. According to residents, political parties distributed Rs 250 and Rs 300 per vote in most parts of the city. In rural areas, an amount ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 250 was distributed, depending upon the area and the candidates' financial power.
A 40-year-old woman, hailing from Pudhuthamaraipatti in Othakadai police limit, was arrested for receiving cash. Police sources said that she received the cash from a teashop near her house. Although the persons involved in the cash distribution escaped from the spot, police seized Rs 500 that was given to the woman and her husband.
Madurai district superintendent of police Vijendra S Bidari said, "So far we have registered nine cases and arrested 14 persons for distributing cash to voters. One of the accused was a woman, who was found receiving cash."
Tension prevailed at Jaihinpuram as a large number of functionaries belonging to DMDK - PWF alliance picketed the station, alleging that mass-level cash distribution was carried out by AIADMK party in the areas that come under Madurai West constituency. The protest was led by U Vasuki, a CPM candidate, on behalf of the ally.