Southern States - Tamil Nadu-Chennai   

Police grievances day meet out of bounds to photographers

By K.T. Sangameswaran

CHENNAI DEC. 17. Following media reports on police grievances, the State police headquarters on the Marina became out of bounds to Press photographers today, second day the Director-General, B. P. Nailwal, received petitions from the personnel.

Initially, Press reporters too were not allowed on the premises, but were permitted after they insisted on going inside. When contacted, a senior police officer said the "Press has nothing to do with the grievances of the personnel. It is purely a departmental matter and it is a secret". It appears the higher authorities were cut up with the "media presentation of the news on yesterday's grievance day".

About 2,000 petitions, including those from DSPs, were received by the DGP on Monday. As several others could not put forth their grievances, the officials decided to conduct the meeting today also. The day was set apart for those from the North Zone and Chennai city. Police sources said about 1,000 petitions were received today.

In a departure from practice, the DGP and other higher officials listened to the personnel's grievances under a shamiana put up on the premises. Only five months ago, did the Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, herself receive petitions on different dates from personnel and listen to their grievances, most of which related to transfers and promotions.

But the personnel are not enthused by such a redress mechanisms. As a constable, serving in Chennai, who submitted his petition to the Chief Minister said: Her decision to receive petitions by herself was good. But I am yet to get the response. No purpose will be served, if the grievances are referred back to the authorities for action, as this again consumes time".

Police sources say that at the recent conference of District Collectors and Superintendents of Police, the Chief Minister was sore over `leaks' to the Press of the meeting proceedings. This perhaps has given enough indications to the authorities.

"If at all there is anything to be given to the Press, a handout will be issued", the officer said.

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