DHARAPURAM: Polling was briefly halted at a booth near Dharapuram in Tirupur district after an election officer allegedly instructed an elderly woman voter to cast her vote for the ‘whistle’ symbol, sparking protests from political party agents and locals.The incident took place at a polling booth in the Kolinjivadi area, news agency PTI reported.According to reports, the official, identified as Thangamani, allegedly directed the voter to press the whistle symbol assigned to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).The commotion briefly disrupted polling until Dharapuram police intervened and pacified the protesting crowds.Following an investigation into the complaint, the Election Commission ordered the immediate removal of Thangamani and appointed Rajammal as the new election officer for the polling station, PTI reported.Voting resumed under the supervision of the new officer after remaining disrupted for nearly an hour.More than 100 police personnel were deployed at the site to maintain order and prevent further untoward incidents.Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu, polling for the Madurantakam and Dharapuram assembly bypolls also ended at 6pm.Turnout stood at 85.99% in Madurantakam and 80.31% in Dharapuram. The polling exercise remained peaceful, officials said.(With agency inputs)
