Coimbatore Police Crack Down on Election Code Violations by Political Parties
In a significant enforcement action, Coimbatore city police have registered multiple cases against functionaries from the TVK and AIADMK parties for clear violations of the election model code of conduct (MCC). The incidents occurred across different locations in the city, highlighting the police's vigilance during the crucial election period.
First Case: Unauthorized Wall Graffiti in Saravanampatti
The Saravanampatti police station took action against a TVK supporter identified as Manohar. The individual was found painting the party's distinctive whistle symbol along with a portrait of TVK leader Vijay and related political slogans on public walls. This activity took place within the Kavundampalayam constituency area.
Police have booked Manohar under section 4(1) of the Tamil Nadu Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act. Authorities are actively working to trace and apprehend the accused individual. This case represents a direct violation of rules prohibiting defacement of public property for political campaigning.
Second Incident: Illegal Party Flag Display in Podanur
In a separate development, Podanur police officers conducting regular patrols on Padasalai Street in Nanjundapuram noticed an AIADMK party flag prominently displayed on the terrace of a local ward secretary's residence. The flag was immediately removed by police personnel as it contravened election regulations.
The police registered a case against ward secretary K Murugananthan under section 4A(1)(b) read with section 4B of the Tamil Nadu Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act. Additionally, authorities issued him a formal notice under section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, directing him to appear before officials for detailed inquiry regarding the violation.
Third Case: Distribution of Labeled Water Bottles in Salem
Extending beyond Coimbatore, TVK's Salem central district secretary 'Thamizhan' Parthiban faced legal action on Monday. The case stemmed from his distribution of water bottles bearing TVK labels during a special Ramzan prayer gathering on March 21 at Thendral Thirumana Mahal in Shanmuga Nagar, located within the Salem south assembly constituency.
A video recording of this event circulated on social media platforms, eventually reaching the election media monitoring team. Based on this evidence, Annadhanapatty police registered a formal case against Parthiban for distributing what are considered election freebies during the model code period.
Previous Similar Incident in Suramangalam
This recent case follows a similar pattern where TVK functionaries in Suramangalam previously faced charges for distributing water bottles marked with the party's name and symbol to Muslim attendees of special Ramadan prayers. All these cases form part of comprehensive enforcement measures designed to ensure strict compliance with the election model code of conduct throughout the electoral period.
The police actions demonstrate a zero-tolerance approach toward any attempts to influence voters through unauthorized campaigning methods or distribution of party materials during restricted periods. These measures aim to maintain a level playing field and ensure free and fair elections without undue influence from political symbols or materials in public spaces.
