Date:26/04/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/04/26/stories/2007042608050100.htm

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11 councillors held for bid to block traffic

Staff Reporter

They protest against "irregularities" in Madurai Corporation

AGITATION: The councillors trying to block the Madurai-Melur highway on Wednesday. — Photo: G. Moorthy.

MADURAI: Eleven councillors, including three women, were arrested after they tried to block traffic protesting against "irregularities" in Madurai Corporation on Wednesday. However, they were released on bail later.

Among them were 10 councillors of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the lone Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam member, N. Maheswari.

The AIADMK council leader, P. Salaimuthu, made allegations of "corruption and irregularities" during the tender-cum-auction of the Corporation at the council meeting.

A few bidders were beaten up during a re-tender conducted on April 23 by people close to the ruling party, he alleged. "The irregularities with respect to four items had caused Rs. 13 lakh loss to the Corporation," Mr. Salaimuthu said, seeking re-tender for all 108 items.

Besides, the AIADMK leader said that the Corporation was pumping in all its resources in the 20 wards that came under the Madurai West Assembly constituency, which is facing a byelection.

"All the development schemes and improvement of basic amenities and distribution of free colour television sets are done in these wards to ensure the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's victory," he said. Later, the AIADMK members, dressed in black, and Ms. Maheswari staged a walk out.

They tried to block the Madurai-Melur highway seeking re-tender and arrest of those who attacked the bidders. The city police arrested them on charges of "unlawful assembly," and disobeying the order promulgated by a public servant.