Don’t be partisan, Governor tells top cops

The Governor, who summoned top police officials including DGP TK Rajendran, City Commissioner of Police S George and City Additional Commissioner P Tamaraikannan, has reportedly told these officials that he would be forced to send a report against them if the police worked to protect the interests of any particular political group. 

Following the directions of the Governor, some policemen have been posted at Koovathur to prevent any major law and order situation there. The MLAs owing allegiance to AIADMK General Secretary VK Sasikala are staying at a resort for the past few days.

The ‘guards’ appointed at the resort even clashed with the police on Sunday. Vidyasagar Rao, who is keeping a close watch on the developments in the state, told the officials that the interests of the public be protected. 

Meanwhile, George has sought a report from all police stations regarding the law and order status under their respective jurisdiction. Police have also started a round-the-clock surveillance and raids at lodges, mansions, marriage halls and other places of public congregation, in order to prevent anti-socials taking shelter at these places. Sources in Raj Bhavan told DTNext that the Governor was unhappy with the police ‘inaction’ at Koovathur, where anti-social elements chased away local residents and even attacked media persons there. 

“Despite widespread criticism over the highhandedness of those ‘guarding’ the MLAs at the beach resort, no senior police officials had visited the site so far. Only an ADSP was sent to take the statements of the MLAs based on the High Court order. The anti-socials have been having a field day there with no policemen to control them,” a senior police official confided to this newspaper.