Safety norms flouted during counting in T.N.

Inspector suspended for failure to control crowd at Anna Arivalayam

As the counting of votes polled in the Assembly election began across Tamil Nadu on Sunday, violation of the COVID-19 safety protocols became apparent at many counting centres. Booth agents and party representatives flouted the norms of physical distancing and masking at almost all centres. Agents also crowded into the booths or in the dining areas. Throwing party president M.K. Stalin’s request to the wind, DMK workers thronged Anna Arivalayam, the party headquarters, for celebrations and burst crackers. Only a few wore masks. By afternoon, an inspector attached to the Teynampet station was suspended for failure to control the crowd.