Voters summoned for accepting cash for votes

Madurai: Summons were on Saturday issued to about 250 voters here for allegedly accepting cash for votes in the upcoming state assembly polls, police said.

The summons were issued under Section 160 of the People's Representation Act, 1951, and they were asked to give explanation by appearing in person on May 18, district Superintendent of Police Vijayendra S Bidari said.

Meanwhile, 18 persons belonging to various political parties were arrested in Madurai, Dindigul, Virudhunagar and Theni districts and Rs 5.17 lakh was seized from them which was meant for distribution to voters, police said.

Cases were registered against 14 persons for distribution of money to voters today, under various IPC sections, including 171(E) (punishment for bribery), a release from the city police said.

So far 355 cases for violation of Model Code of Conduct have been registered, it said.