Teacher, VAO spar during poll training in Sivaganga

The incident occurred during a training programme for poll officials, who would be deputed on poll duty at the college on April 18. An unidentified person was injured in the alleged scuffle and was taken to the government hospital.

Although Collector J Jayakanthan denied the occurrence of the scuffle, following enquiry, he said a verbal altercation had taken place between a trainee, who was identified as Raphael Stephen, a teacher and VAO Rajasekar over signing of the attendance register.

Initially, an argument occureed between a Deputy Tahsildar and the teacher. The scuffle ensued after the VAO intervened in support of the Deputy Tahsildar, sources said.

Both the teacher and the VAO have sent petitions and necessary action would be taken, the Collector said. It was the first phase of training during which a total of 1,856 government services personnel were being trained, he added.

Police have inspected the spot and held inquiries. However, the Sivaganga Town police has not received any complaint, SP T Jayachandran said.