TN bypoll: DGP denies partisanship

Madurai, June 21 (UNI) Denying charges of partisanship on the part of the police, Tamil Nadu Director General of Police D Mukherjee today said, 21 cases have been registered against functionaries of various parties in connection with poll-related offences and clashes.

After a random visit to the polling booths in Madurai West Assembly constituency, where byelection is scheduled for June 26, he told newspersons that the police officials have been instructed to take prompt action regarding violation of the Model Code Of Conduct or any complaint brought to their notice.

The DGP, reviewing the arrangements for the bypoll, assumed significance in the wake of the Election Commission taking a serious view of the reports of largescale bribing of voters and alleged partisanship of the police in ignoring complaints from the Opposition parties. Earlier, there were reports of the EC considering countermanding the election.

Asked about reports of distribution of cash to voters in many parts of the constituency, Mr Mukherjee said the police would take action if there were specific complaints to that effect.

Expressing satisfaction over the elaborate security arrangements, he said the three-tier security, comprising paramilitary forces, around the polling booths was adequate. However, he pointed out that the service of senior-level officers in the rank of SPs and DSPs was required and the EC would be approached in this regard.

To a question, Mr Mukherjee said the state police force had a vacancy of 13,000 posts.

Responding to a query, the DGP said Mr M K Azhagiri, the Madurai-based son of Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, was provided with security following threat to his life.

UNI