Election officials intensify vehicle checks in Karur

Election officials have intensified vehicle checks and searches in Karur district to curb distribution of cash or gifts to voters.

D. N. Harikiran, Superintendent of Police, who was posted in the district as per the orders of the Election Commission in the place of Jose K. Thangaiah, told The Hindu that he had visited most of the areas in all four constituencies of Karur, Kulithalai, Aravakurichi and Krishnarayapuram to study the topography and take stock of the ground situation at vulnerable and critical booths in terms of various aspects of electioneering and voting.

He also held a meeting with all police officers and traffic police personnel and asked them to take steps to conduct the election in a free and fair manner.

Twelve flying squads and an equal number of static surveillance teams had been formed to check distribution of money in the district. As per the Election Commission direction, no one should carry more than ₹50,000. Traders and merchants should have proper documents to carry money more than the stipulated limit. Surprise checks had been intensified. Several complaints were being received on CVigil App. The complaints would be checked immediately.

District Election Officer, who is also the Collector of the district, K. Ravikumar said a sum of ₹14.92 lakh had so far been seized during vehicle checks in the district. Karur constituency topped the list with the seizure of ₹10 lakh.