As party cadre and different sections of society mourned the demise of DMK leader M. Karunanidhi, Tiruchi and other nearby districts remained free from any untoward incident on Wednesday.
An enhanced vigil was mounted by police personnel across the central region as a precautionary measure to ensure law and order. Operation of buses - government and private - across the region was completely suspended for the day resulting in sparse movement on busy thoroughfares in Tiruchi and elsewhere.
There was no movement of goods carriers within the district and those proceeding to nearby states. Autorickshaw drivers and tourist vehicles were off the roads. Bus stands which are usually abuzz with activity wore a desolate look with bus bays remaining empty.
As a mark of respect to the departed leader, traders downed shutters with no business activity taking place. Wholesale markets and retail shops remained closed for the entire day.
People remained indoors since the government had declared a holiday on Wednesday. Teams of police personnel were deployed at vantage spots across the region throughout the day to ensure order and prevent any untoward incident. The entire police strength was mobilised in each of the eight districts in the region with field-level officers carrying out rounds in their respective jurisdiction.
Sources said a stone was pelted on a Chennai-bound State Express Transport Corporation bus at Athimadai in Tiruvarur district on Tuesday night damaging the front wind shield. The incident happened a couple of hours after the announcement of the death of the DMK leader.
