DGP orders watch on cops posting on social media

Chennai: State Director General of Police T.K. Rajendran wrote a letter to all commissioners of police, superintendents of police and heads of all units asking them to keep a watch on 'disgruntled' elements in the police force who had called upon their family members to meet the chief minister on July 6 to press their demands. It is on that day that the Assembly will be taking up the discussion on the demands for grants for police departments.  

It may be recalled that a poster, which detailed the grievances of police personnel in Tamil Nadu and also called upon members of police families to reach the state secretariat on July 6, had created ripples in police circles on Thursday when it suddenly appeared on the wall of the AR camp at St Thomas Mount.  Though the authorities had removed the poster by afternoon it was clear that the top brass were not very happy about the development.

The demands, which were displayed on the poster, include 8-hour duty for policemen, mandatory weekly off, filling up of vacancies in law and order wing, the abolition of the orderly system, recognition of the Tamil Nadu Constabulary Association and the inclusion of demands from the police personnel in the 7th pay commission recommendation.

The DGP, in his letter, had mentioned about the poster and also attracted the attention of senior officials to the social media and WhatsApp groups where there are a lot of talks about a need for recognising the association of police personnel in the state.

“The disgruntled elements may step up their slanderous activities. Please closely watch those who had come to adverse notice in this regard in your units and take appropriate measures to avert any unpleasant development. Also monitor posting in the social media platform closely, prevent circulation of provoking message and initiate action according to law,” the DGP said in his confidential circular accessed by this newspaper.

The top cop also asked his subordinates to gear up intelligence mechanism, particularly in view of the sensitivity of the subject and advised his officials to keep the staff's morale high and keep them motivated.

When contacted, a member of police association challenged the DGP asking him to dismantle the IPS officers' association. “If he does that, he doesn't have to agree to any of our demands,” said a policeman, who did not wish to be named.