By IANS,
Chennai: Over 16,000 people were arrested in Tamil Nadu on the eve of the final phase of Lok Sabha polls to ensure peaceful voting in the state, police said Tuesday.
“Warrants were pending against most of the arrested 16,000 persons,” a police statement said.
“More than 21,000 licensed guns have been kept in safe custody and police are conducting regular search operations in hotels, lodges and farmhouses while quarries and godowns stocking explosives are also under vigil,” the statement said.
Unaccounted explosives in quarries and warehouses and 306 compact discs containing “objectionable materials” were also seized.
During the hectic electioneering, 7,341 cases were filed against members of various political parties for violating the poll code.
At least 170 people were injured in various political clashes, the statement added.
Over 100,000 security personnel, including paramilitary forces, have been deployed to guard over 51,000 polling stations Wednesday.
There are 823 candidates in fray for 39 parliamentary seats from Tamil Nadu.