Police continue vigil on Marina, Elliot’s beaches

In the backdrop of social media reports of yet another gathering of youth on the Marina or the Elliot’s beach similar to jallikattu protests, the city police continue vigil on the sprawling beaches to ensure a peaceful atmosphere for those visiting them.

Ever since several outfits called for a protest on the beaches to demand the constitution of a Cauvery Management Board, the police have been on alert. Apart from city police personnel, a sizeable number of personnel from the Swift Action Group have been deployed.

Officers were found randomly scanning and checking mobile phones of youngsters and those wearing black shirts to ensure that they were not involved in any kind of protest.

Policemen have barricaded the service lanes.

Last week, a single judge of the Madras High Court granted one-day permission to farmer leader Ayyakannau to hold a fast on the beach. However, a bench stayed the order on an appeal from the city police.

“Though the city police wish to ensure peaceful atmosphere here, there are certain elements spreading rumours or misinformation campaign over social media to assemble on the beaches for an agitation. Our personnel are in constant vigil to ensure that the peaceful atmosphere is not disturbed,” said a senior police officer.