In an intriguing development, newly appointed Tamil Nadu DGP Sandeep Rai Rathore (IPS:1992:TN) has warned district Superintendents of Police (SPs) against taking instructions from police officers not in the chain of command.
According to police sources, the DGP raised his concern over the issue through a note to senior police officers, saying SPs and those in Special Units have been receiving instructions related to their official work from unauthorized officers.
The DGP has formally asked the supervisory officers to report such incidents of transgressions to him.
Not only this, but Rathore has also instructed police officers heading Special Units and law & order to immediately communicate to him any important issue developing within their jurisdictions. They have even been directed to drop a message through messaging platforms if they have a paucity of time or connectivity issues.
The DGP held a video-conference with all Zonal Inspector-Generals (IGs), Commissioners of Police (CPs), and SPs to instruct them to take all steps in compliance with the Model Code of Conduct to ensure a free and fair election. Rathore also stressed the need for making elaborate security arrangements in the run up to the elections, more so with VIPs travelling across the state.
As the state is going to the polls on April 23, the DGP reviewed the preparedness of the force for it and the May 4 counting of votes.
According to sources, Rathore also called for intensified vigil along interstate borders to prevent the movement of suspicious individuals, the transport of liquor, and cash flow as well as in places that have a history of violence during elections.
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