Unprecedented security blanket at Fort leaves members, media fuming

Not even a single member of the public was allowed anywhere near the Secretariat, as police feared that there could be a chance of demonstrations against the newly sworn in government. Even the media persons were not allowed near the main gate and photographers had a heated argument with the police force headed by south joint commissioner TS Anbu. 

“It was unprecedented security and even during the most tumultuous periods, such security was not provided to the Secretariat. City Police did not want any trouble near the premises and they barricaded the entire area,” a Secretariat employee said. 

However, the plans of the police to keep everything under control went for a toss when Opposition Leader Stalin decided to sit on a fast protest at Gandhi Statue. The police intelligence had no information about such a move and in no time more than 5,000 people had gathered at Marina to extend support to Stalin. Meanwhile some stone pelting incidents were also reported in North Chennai and shops were closed in some areas.