Phase I polling was marked by stone pelting followed by a minor lathi charge here at two places in Vazhuvoor in Kuthalam after allegations of bogus votes were traded by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam supporters against the AIADMK.
The incident occurred at the booths for Panchayat Presidential votes for Vazhvoor Panchayat, where the DMK supporters traded allegations of AIADMK loyalist sneaking in impersonators to cast bogus votes.
According to sources, the Vazhuvoor Panchayat Presidential candidate Kannagi Veeramani supported by the DMK alleged that the AIADMK had brought in impersonators to cast bogus votes.
It was alleged that the AIADMK had planned to bring in around 20 such bogus voters. Following this, a few DMK supporters, who attempted storming the booth, were restrained by the police, and a mild lathi charge was unleashed to contain the melee. Enraged DMK supporters started pelting stones, damaging a police jeep.
Following this, the DMK supporters staged a road-blockage at Elandhankudi, a kilometre away from the booth. The crowd that dispersed following talks with the District Revenue Officer that assured an enquiry into the issue, returned to blockade once again late evening demanding re-poll and notification of Vazhuvoor Panchayat Union as reserved.
Vazhuvoor that falls under Kuthalam Town Panchayat limits is comprised of a strong Dalit population equalling the other backward classes. The contesting Panchayat Presidential candidate supported by the DMK is a Dalit.
Speaking to The Hindu , Collector T.Munusamy stated that an enquiry into the allegations shall be conducted and will be conveyed to the State Election Commission. The crowd were dispersed on the Collector's assurance of an enquiry.
