When reports of fanatically popular Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s demise came in on 5 December, it was feared that chaos and violence would soon grip the state.
In fact, her death brought back memories of the nearly month long riots that ensued after the death of MGR, Jayalalithaa’s mentor and also a massively popular chief minister.
But unexpectedly, things unfolded peacefully after Amma’s death and her final homage, last journey and burial went off smoothly. This was thanks largely to Tamil Nadu police’s “unimaginable service”, something that has drawn lavish praise on social media.
The police managed the sea of people that had gathered efficiently, ensuring that no untoward incident takes place. They had been on vigil 24*7 since the CM’s health worsened. The tireless efforts of the police personnel ensured that Amma’s funeral procession, attended by lakhs, went off without a hitch.
They kept a strict vigil across the state following Jayalithaa’s death, even eating and sleeping on the roads where they were posted.
Not surprisingly, the Tamil Nadu police’s stellar work hasn’t gone unnoticed. And accolades have started pouring in on social media, lauding its handling of a potentially volatile situation.
Post the worsening of the Chief Minister’s health, the Tamil Nadu police had been ordered to report on duty by 7 am.
A large crowd gathered outside the Apollo Hospital after hearing the news. They even tried to break the barricades to get through the hospital but the police handled the crowd well.
Only once did the police resort to lathi-charge when the unruly crowd tried to break the barricades at her Poes-Garden residence.
All the officers in the rank of SPs and police personnel of other ranks of Enforcement, CBCID, EOW and Crime reported on duty at the said time on Monday.
(With inputs from the Indian Express)
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