Hefty fine for defacing electric posts with posters, graffiti

Thrissur: The police have warned against affixing election posters on electricity poles. Case will be charged under destruction of public property if KSEB poles are defaced with party posters or graffiti during the ongoing Lok Sabha election campaign.

The move comes after electric poles across the state have been defaced with party symbols and candidate stickers. Anti-defacement squads have been directed to blacken out existing symbols with grease. The expenses toward this will be levied from parties concerned. A fine of Rs 25,000-35,000 could be slapped for violations.

Political parties had ‘encroached’ on poles even before election was declared. They were ‘booked’ in advance with party symbols and posters. The KSEB approached the police for respite. They have started registering cases against such violations. Vadakekkadu Station in Thrissur became the first to book the first such case.

Squads have been deployed in every taluk to register any violation. They will be assisted by KSEB employees.

Climbing tricky with grease

Anti-defacement squads have been directed to use grease on any party symbols and writing on electric poles. But this might make climbing them difficult, say KSEB authorities. They suggest using white paint or lime. But white surface will again invite party graffiti, say squad members.