Surveillance Intensified in Manachanallur Amid Election Bribery Allegations

Election authorities in Tiruchi district, Tamil Nadu, have significantly increased surveillance measures in the Manachanallur constituency following numerous complaints regarding the distribution of cash and gifts to voters. District Election Officer and Collector V. Saravanan announced the deployment of an additional flying squad and video surveillance team to strengthen vigilance. Over the past week, officials seized 40,552 gift items, primarily utensils, valued at approximately ₹51.56 lakh. Furthermore, 14 cases were registered based on 17 specific complaints received by the District Election Control Room. A joint inspection by the Returning Officer and police identified 51 polling booths across 20 stations as vulnerable, prompting the stationing of central police forces and the conduct of flag marches in sensitive areas. Similar vulnerability assessments led to heightened monitoring in neighboring constituencies, including Srirangam, Lalgudi, Thuraiyur, Tiruchi West, Tiruchi East, Tiruverumbur, and Musiri. These actions align with strict directives from the Election Commission to ensure free and fair elections, utilizing both static surveillance teams and mobile flying squads to monitor potential malpractices and maintain electoral integrity throughout the voting process.