Chennai, April 23: Tamil Nadu recorded approximately 70 per cent voter turnout by 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, as the state went to polls for its Assembly elections. The largely peaceful electoral exercise was, however, marred by a disturbing act of violence in the Poompuhar Assembly constituency of Mayiladuthurai district, where an on-duty police officer was stabbed inside a polling booth — sending shockwaves through the state's election machinery.

Cop Stabbed Inside Polling Booth in Mayiladuthurai

The alarming incident took place at a polling booth in Poraiyar, where voting had been proceeding without disruption since early morning. A head constable from Kuthalam Police Station was suddenly attacked by an unidentified man wielding a small knife, sustaining stab wounds to his neck and hands.

The injured officer was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where his condition is currently reported to be stable. Local police swiftly reinforced security in the surrounding area, and a manhunt is underway to apprehend the attacker. Authorities have assured that the incident will not affect the overall voting process in the constituency.

District-Wise Voter Turnout Highlights

Namakkal led the state with one of the highest turnout figures at 76.43 per cent, closely followed by Erode at 75.61 per cent. Ranipet registered 72.46 per cent, Tirupattur reported 71.67 per cent, and Vellore stood at 71.23 per cent.

Kallakurichi recorded 70.76 per cent polling, while Chengalpattu saw 69.40 per cent, indicating steady civic participation across central and northern Tamil Nadu. In contrast, southern districts posted comparatively lower figures — Kanniyakumari at 61.95 per cent and Tirunelveli at 62.41 per cent.

In Krishnagiri district, constituency-wise data showed Bargur at 72.48 per cent, Uthangarai at 72.07 per cent, Vepanahalli at 72.10 per cent, Krishnagiri at 69.81 per cent, Hosur at 67.36 per cent, and Thally at 67.81 per cent, with an overall district turnout of 70.07 per cent.

Coimbatore Records Robust Polling Numbers

Coimbatore district witnessed healthy voter participation across most constituencies. Sulur led with 74.47 per cent, followed by Kavundampalayam at 73.92 per cent, Pollachi at 73.04 per cent, and Kinathukadavu at 73 per cent.

Thondamuthur recorded 72.50 per cent, while Valparai and Mettuppalayam posted 70.65 per cent and 70.26 per cent respectively. Urban constituencies such as Singanallur (68.93 per cent), Coimbatore South (68.69 per cent), and Coimbatore North (64.06 per cent) reported relatively subdued turnout, a trend consistent with urban voting patterns seen in previous elections.

Village Boycotts Poll Over Basic Amenities

In a separate development, residents of Muthalaimedu Thittu village in Kollidam announced a poll boycott, citing the continued absence of basic civic infrastructure including proper roads and drinking water facilities. Villagers took to the streets waving black flags, alleging that repeated appeals to local officials had gone unheard.

The protest drew attention to longstanding grievances in rural pockets of Tamil Nadu, where infrastructure deficits continue to fuel voter frustration during election cycles.

Overall Polling Remains Peaceful Across Tamil Nadu

Barring the stabbing incident in Poompuhar and the village boycott in Kollidam, polling remained largely incident-free across the state. Security forces maintained strict vigil at sensitive booths, and the Election Commission of India deployed adequate personnel to ensure a smooth electoral process.

As final voter turnout figures are compiled post-polling hours, all eyes will be on the counting day results, which are expected to determine the political trajectory of Tamil Nadu for the next five years.