Election Officials Use Mules and Vehicles to Access Remote Polling Stations In a coordinated effort to ensure voter access in remote regions, election officials in Theni and Dindigul districts of Tamil Nadu have deployed a mix of traditional and modern methods to transport electronic voting machines (EVMs) to isolated polling stations. The operation, described as a "high-stakes logistical challenge," involves navigating difficult terrains, including dense forests and mountainous regions, to reach voters in areas with minimal road connectivity. One of the most remote polling stations is located at Vellimalai Estate in Varasanadu under the Andipatti constituency, which has only five registered voters. Officials transported EVMs to this location via a three-hour journey covering 65 kilometers from Theni. The challenge escalates in the Bodinayakkanur constituency, where Oothukadu and Central Station remain disconnected from modern road networks. For the 307 voters at Oothukadu and 75 at Central Station, EVMs and essential materials are being transported by lashing them to horseback and escorting them through steep forest paths. At Central Station, officials face an additional hurdle: no road connectivity from Kurangani. Equipment is first transported by jeep to Kurangani, then transferred onto two horses for the final 5-kilometer trek to the polling booth. The region is under the surveillance of the Anti-Naxal squad, prompting the deployment of additional police personnel to accompany the team. Similar challenges are encountered in two other hill villages, Top Station and Kolukkumalai, which have 131 and 64 registered voters, respectively.#tamil_nadu #villagers #theni_district #dindigul_district #bodinayakkanur_constituency
Injured Leopard Attacks 4 Gadchiroli Villagers After They Try to Click Selfies Four villagers in Gadchiroli were seriously injured when an injured leopard, which had been incapacitated during a fight with a tiger, suddenly attacked them while they attempted to take selfies. The incident occurred on Wednesday morning near the Chambharda-Maregaon rural road, close to the farm of Haridas Munghate in the Porla forest range. Officials and local sources confirmed that the leopard was found lying motionless in the area, prompting curious onlookers to approach it. Despite its apparent death, the animal launched a sudden attack on the group, leaving four villagers wounded. Vilas Thakre (48) and Rekha Vitthal Madavi (45), both residents of Chambharda, along with Lumaji Munghate (40) from nearby Temba, sustained severe injuries. Another villager, Leeladhar Munghate (37), suffered minor wounds and is reported to be stable. Forest officials, including Range forest officer Rajesh Pachbhai, rushed to the scene and provided first aid at the primary health sub-centre in Chambharda before transporting the injured to the district general hospital. A veterinary team was called to examine the leopard, which showed no signs of movement. The animal was confirmed dead after the examination. During the autopsy, forest officials noted deep wounds and bite marks on the leopard’s body and neck, indicating it likely died from severe injuries sustained during the fight with the tiger. The carcass was incinerated in the presence of witnesses to ensure transparency. The incident highlights the dangers of approaching wild animals, even when they appear incapacitated. Officials emphasized that the leopard’s sudden attack was a result of its injuries and possible pain, which may have triggered a defensive response.#gadchiroli #villagers #haridas_munghate #rajesh_pachbhai #porla_forest_range
