Efforts on to ensure peace during elections in Tuticorin

The police carried out a flag march in Tuticorin and nearby area on Tuesday to instil confidence among the electors that they could exercise their franchise without any fear in the oncoming local body elections.

Led by Superintendent of Police John Nicholson, 546 contingent comprising two Additional Superintendents of Police, six Deputy Superintendents of Police, 21 Inspectors, 63 Sub-Inspectors, and 454 constables marched from the south police station to Anna Nagar, after passing through 32 transit points.

Collector R. Palaniyandi flagged off the march.

Later speaking to media persons, Mr. Nicholson said a total of 1,500 police personnel would be deployed in the district on the polling dates to ensure peace.

Besides, 1,173 `Special Police Officers' would be inducted into service to assist the police.

"The team of SPOs constituted of 514 ex-servicemen, 35 Fire and Rescue Services Department officials, 10 Forest Department staff, 550 NSS volunteers and 64 retired police personnel," the SP said.

He said that 79 persons were taken into preventive custody and two detained under the Goondas Act.