<![CDATA[Following allegations of cash distribution and clashes between cadres of political parties in R.K. Nagar, Chennai District Election Office and the police intensified surveillance, forming 21 additional teams for increasing the number of flying squads and static surveillance teams. Last week, the number of teams was increased from 52 to 107. Now more teams have been formed to improve surveillance, officials said. The personnel include 51 teams of flying squad, 21 teams for static surveillance, 20 teams for video surveillance and 36 teams for manning check-posts. Even as the entry and exit points of the constituency are being monitored, representatives of political parties alleged that cash distribution continued freely in the constituency where the by-poll would be held on December 21. According to police sources, the ruling AIADMK cadre surrounded a house in Thiruvalluvar Nagar on Sunday claiming that supporters of sidelined leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran were distributing cash to electors. They alleged that Selvi, one of the supporters of Mr. Dhinakaran, was involved in distributing cash amounting to Rs.20 lakh. However, the police recovered only Rs.16,000 from her. The police had to open lathi charge to disperse the supporters of the party and Mr. Dhinakaran. Similarly, minor clashes erupted in several locations in the constituency between supporters of Mr. Dhinakaran and the AIADMK over allegations of cash distribution. Cadre from both the sides were injured in a clash in Sastri Nagar, the police said. Meanwhile, election officials said they were conducting inquiry on the markings reportedly made on Saturday by the AIADMK in a large number of houses across the constituency. Teams were sent to trace the markings which were reportedly made to facilitate cash distribution to thousands of voters. Election officials reiterated that the markings were “violations” and action would be taken against those responsible. The police have made 120 preventive arrests in the constituency. A total of 95 FIRs have been filed and 15 persons remanded in judicial custody. A total of 83 vehicles have been seized in the constituency. Political parties have so far conducted 132 public meetings and 442 rallies as part of the campaign for the by-election.]]>
