Police security was misused by Karunanidhi for his 135 family members.

Police security was misused by Karunanidhi for his 135 family members.


Chief minister J Jayalalithaa on Friday charged the previous DMK regime with misusing the state police force to give “unofficial” security cover to as many as 135 family members of her predecessor M Karunanidhi.


Replying to the debate on the motion of thanks to the governor’s address, she pointed out that police personnel were unofficially deployed at the residence of Karunanidhi’s son and Union fertilizer minister M K Alagiri. “In addition, police force was also posted for close associates of Alagiri,” she said.


Jayalalithaa said that in the name of providing security to VIPs, security posts were set up at more than 10 places in Chennai alone. “The services of the police were utilised for providing security to political leaders, private organisations and for VIPs in Madurai,” she said in a clear reference to DMK strongman Alagiri. “In some cases, traffic police were on VIP duty from 4am to 11pm in the last five years. However, these personnel have now been recalled and posted at various places to oversee the smooth flow of traffic. “I have ordered the police force to take strict action against those who indulge in unlawful activities,” she said adding that the police machinery is now fully available for maintaining law and order.


She alleged Karunanidhi’s family members and party persons also influenced the government on postings ranging from the constable level to senior ranks.


Jayalalithaa, who has consistently maintained that her government’s top priority is to restore law and order and provide efficient governance, noted that during the previous regime, law and order issues were severely affected. “Once the Tamil Nadu police was compared to Scotland Yard. But during the past five years it has lost that good name and now it is in pathetic shape,” she said. The chief minister said she would bring the police force back on rails to help it regain its glory.


Landgrabbing and extortion were common problems during the previous regime, she said. Many were wrongfully dispossessed of their immovable properties through force and intimidation, she said, adding the government has decided to take appropriate action and restore such properties to their rightful owners by enacting a new law soon.


“People know that whenever I become chief minister, deterrent actions are pursued against anti-social elements and terrorists to make the state a haven of peace,” she said adding, the present government will take the required stringent measures and restore law and order in the state so that people can live in peace and fearlessly pursue their livelihood.


We request the Chief Minister to instruct the police Department to take quick action on the complaints received from the public duly registering them immediately.