Rumour triggers tension

Tension gripped Tenkasi on Tuesday night after rumours of possible clash between two communities spread even as ‘Mahasivaratri’ celebrations and prayers were going on in temples.

While ‘Mahasivaratri’ prayers were on, rumours that a particular group would launch attack on its ‘rivals’ spread across Tenkasi around midnight.

The police force was immediately geared up to handle any emergency as Tenkasi had witnessed bitter clashes in the past

Led by Superintendent of Police K.S. Narenthiran Nayar, and Tenkasi ASP Aravindan, the police made security arrangements across the town and in adjoining areas. Besides deployment of police personnel at vulnerable points, vehicle checks were intensified on all important roads.

Night patrolling by armed police personnel was increased along Madurai and Tenkasi-Tirunelveli highways.

As miscreants had spread rumours that there could be serial blasts in a few areas, surveillance was increased at those points and suspected spots were checked by the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad.

A security blanket was thrown over Tenkasi suddenly in the night and normality returned only at dawn after the night passed off peacefully.