The DEO of Tirunelveli instructs the flying squad to treat people with respect

At a briefing held here on Sunday for members of flying squad teams (FST) and static surveillance teams, KP Karthikeyan, the collector-cum-district election officer for Tirunelveli, said that members of FSTs should treat the general people with respect and refrain from harassing them.

Karthikeyan gave the FST members instructions not to bother anybody who had legitimate documentation for the money they were carrying. “Squad members should not alight women and children from vehicles during checks,” Karthikeyan said. When female officials or police officers are inspecting women’s handbags, they should have a female presence.”

The cars of political parties, candidates, and those used to carry party flags and other campaign materials should all be thoroughly inspected, he said. “Squads should be cautious about whether political parties are canvassing in violation of the Model Code of Conduct in public functions and festivals at religious places,” he said.

The collector said that the district government has formed a grievance redressal panel to address the concerns raised by the flying squad seizures. The project director Mahalir Thittam will serve as the team’s leader. People whose funds or materials were improperly taken may speak with the team in the election control room, which is open daily from 10 to 11 a.m. at the collectorate. The process to return the confiscated materials will begin if their claim is determined to be legitimate. In order to file complaints, the public may also call the 1800 425 8373 toll-free number,” he said.

Among others, M Suganya, the district revenue officer, and Thakare Shubham Dnyandeorao, the commissioner of the Tirunelveli municipality, attended the conference.