Top cops in Catch-22 situation

The officials know it better not to take sides at times like this when the government is shrouded in political uncertainty. Thursday was rife with strong speculations that the caretaker government has already decided to transfer city commissioner of police S George for his alleged closeness to the Sasikala camp. There were unconfirmed reports alleging that he had abruptly cut a call from Chief Minister while receiving instructions to stop the forceful custody of MLAs by the rival gang. 

“If one works as per instructions from the caretaker CM, then the officer will be targeted by the Sasikala group, if they get a chance to form the government and vice-versa. It is a Catch-22 situation for us sitting here,” a senior police official told DTNext. 

As per protocol, the government officials will have to adhere to the orders or oral instructions of the Chief Minister and the ruling party general secretary has no say in the functioning of administration and law and order affairs. 

“It is the protocol, but the situation in Tamil Nadu for the last two days has been highly uncertain. We are yet to understand who actually is the power centre, a CM who is struggling to prove a majority backing from his cabinet colleagues or an already elected legislative assembly leader of a ruling party, who is all set to become the CM. It is better not to take any calls,” another official added. 

Highly placed sources told this paper that many senior police officials, both at the city and at police headquarters, have already been identified by both the groups for their allegiance with the rival groups. “Some officials are working overtime for both the camps to leak out strategic information from the rival gang. These officials are already being identified and them continuing in their present position or moving to a better or insignificant post will depend directly on the possible change or no change in the Chief Ministership in the state,” the official added. 

As the police system has paralysed due to this power struggle and prevailing confusion, officials are now waiting with their fingers crossed and are trying to be completely neutral in sensitive matters.