Counting peaceful, says Nailwal

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, OCT. 22. Saving an incident of police opening fire at Thanjavur and lathicharge in Madurai and Mannargudi, counting of votes for the local bodies elections passed off peacefully, the Director-General of Police, Mr. B. P. Nailwal, told presspersons here today.

The counting was suspended for some time at a centre at the Central Polytechnic, Taramani here, when ``some DMK members entered the hall, caused damage to the fixtures and furniture and assaulted a polling official who intervened''. Mr. Nailwal said there was a clash between groups and the police were forced to enter the counting centre to restore order.

The police ``did extremely well during the elections with limited manpower and resources''. During the polls, security arrangements were made for the visit of the Prime Minister and his Cabinet colleagues who were in the city to attend a wedding.

The DGP denied the allegation that the police sided with the ruling party during the elections. It was only because of the elaborate bandobust arrangements that the polling passed off peacefully.

Counting in 909 centres had almost been completed for five corporations, 102 municipalities, 609 town panchayats and other rural local bodies. It was in progress for the posts of Mayor and some councillors in Chennai.

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Section  : Southern States
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