Coimbatore : In an address to the media, the Coimbatore District Collector K Rajamani said, “We have initiated enough steps to ensure that a fair election is conducted in Coimbatore. 9.06 crores and 153 kgs of gold have been confiscated till now in the District. Last night, we received information that cash is being carried illegally in the Ukkadam area. But during the vehicle check, we realised it was just tea powder. The search was done in the presence of IT, GST and Customs Tax officials. The container was released once we came to know that it was not carrying anything illegal. Since the information came to us around 11 pm, the vehicle was brought to the Collectorate and investigation was held to clear the doubts of the public. The authorities have been advised not to harass people while inspecting the public and traders' possessions," he reiterated.
Coimbatore : In an address to the media, the Coimbatore District Collector K Rajamani said, “We have initiated enough steps to ensure that a fair election is conducted in Coimbatore. 9.06 crores and 153 kgs of gold have been confiscated till now in the District. Last night, we received information that cash is being carried illegally in the Ukkadam area. But during the vehicle check, we realised it was just tea powder. The search was done in the presence of IT, GST and Customs Tax officials. The container was released once we came to know that it was not carrying anything illegal. Since the information came to us around 11 pm, the vehicle was brought to the Collectorate and investigation was held to clear the doubts of the public. The authorities have been advised not to harass people while inspecting the public and traders' possessions," he reiterated.
"Action is impartial against both ruling party and opposition party in Coimbatore district. The Election Commission took impartial action against individual criticism," added K Rajamani.
It is now reported that Mohammed Sajith who claimed to be a member of the Makkal Needhi Maiam was the one who had stopped the container (TN 88 A 1060) which was actually carrying tea powder, near Athupalam Toll Gate area. He shouted that cash was being carried illegally in the container, following which a few others joined Sajith and attacked the container driver, and even damaged the vehicle. They continued the attack in spite of the driver clarifying that there was only tea powder being transported in the container. It is reported that more than a 1000 Muslim youth gathered at the spot which led to a traffic jam from 10 pm to 1 am.
Due to the timely intervention of the Police Commissioner (Law and Order) who arrived the spot on time with a team of police personnel, the crowd was dispersed and traffic regulated. The flying squad then detained the vehicle and brought it to the Collectorate. The container was opened in the presence of the public.
Since it was proved that the container carried only tea powder, a case was registered under Sections 341, 147, 148, 294(b), 505,506, IPC r/w of TNPPDL Act against Mohammed Sajith and his associates based on the complaint by the driver Prakash this morning at Kuniyamuthur police station. The police are in search of Mohammed Sajith and his associates. It is reported that the container would have been looted and the driver fatally attacked if not for the police team that arrived at the spot, on time.
The Coimbatore police have also requested the public not to indulge in such unnecessary incidents ruled by emotions with elections around the corner. The police have sought the support of the public to conduct the election in a fair and calm manner.