Detenu becomes Chevvapet panchayat chief

By A. Subramani

CHENNAI, OCT. 10. Settu, a Goonda's Act detenu, at present lodged in the Central Prison here, has been elected unopposed Chevvapet panchayat president.

According to official sources, 10 candidates who had filed nominations for the post withdrew their papers on October 5, the last day for withdrawing nominations. Though the villagers say that Settu was their unanimous choice, official circles do not rule out intimidatory tactics by Settu's men.

Settu is serving his current term after being booked under the Goonda's Act for offences under Section 399 IPC (preparing for dacoity) for the second time. Earlier, he had served the full term of a year for offences under Section 302 (murder).

Though several more serious cases are pending against Settu, he has not been convicted in any of them to prevent him from either contesting or occupying the panchayat chief post, according to officials in Tiruvellur district.

A Block Development Officer, returning officer for the civic segment, ascertained whether the candidate would attract any disqualification as per election rules. The Jail Superintendent here certified that Settu had been detained under the Goonda's Act only `on suspicion'.

Meanwhile, Settu celebrated his victory at the hustings by distributing sweets to his fellow inmates at the prison.

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