Amidst escalating threat perceptions to vital establishments, including the Raj Bhavan here, the Tamil Nadu police have strengthened security by deploying additional forces at the offices of the ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
A large contingent of armed police was posted outside the Raj Bhavan, which is guarded by Central paramilitary forces. Instructions were given to police to provide adequate protection to Ministers, MPs and MLAs in the State in the wake of “intra-party developments” in the ruling AIADMK.
In an alert sent to all Commissionerates and SP offices in districts, the police headquarters said statements and counter statements were being issued by leaders of various political parties expressing their views, thereby surcharging the fluid political atmosphere.
“The cadre may lose temper and resort to aggressive protests if the situation continues. The possibility of leaders plunging into direct action like observing fast to reiterate their demand cannot be ruled out. If the leaders commence such fast, the situation may aggravate and some frustrated cadre might target leaders or establishments of the BJP...they may also resort to protests in front of Raj Bhavan,” the note read.
The note also warned of the possibility of some political parties and anti-social elements taking advantage of the situation to indulge in violence. While enhancing vigil on rowdy elements, police should mount surveillance to prevent storage of arms or explosive substances by the suspects, it said.
Checks at hotels
Soon after the alert was sounded across the State, police stepped up security at vulnerable places. Surprise checks were conducted at hotels, mansions, guest houses and buildings located on the outskirts of cities and towns to prevent anti-social elements from taking shelter there, police sources said.
In Chennai, Commissioner of Police S. George reviewed the security arrangements and instructed senior police officers to intensify vehicle checks and night patrolling. Intensive vehicle checks have been organised in the city and at all entry points into the city to prevent movement and influx of anti-socials. Round-the-clock surveillance has been mounted in all the important locations.
