Agitators condemning the conviction of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minsiter Jayalaithaa in the disproportionate wealth case gathered in different parts of the city from 9 a.m. onwards.
The Tamil cinema fraternity began a fast in Chepauk at 9 a.m. amid strict vigil by the police.
An anonymous phone call warned of a bomb planted at the stage opposite the State Guest House in Chepauk where the film industry people had gathered. Bomb squads were despatched to the location and a thorough inspection for nearly an hour proved the threat to be a hoax. Police are probing further to track the anonymous caller.
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Perhaps the largest crowd gathered at the Moolakkadai junction after ruling party members erected big pandals, which is now housing the protestors. Anti-judiciary slogans and sympathy voices for the jailed leader filled the air at the location where over 200 agitated party workers have converged. The crowd is swelling as time passes.
Flags and banners expressing solidarity for the AIADMK supremo have been displayed throughout the city. In Kasimedu, the fishing community abstained from daily work and staged a token fast.
A Huge posse of police are keeping vigil throughout the city.
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