Chaotic scenes, near-stampede situation at Rajaji Hall

Police had a tough time controlling people as they surged forward pushing down iron barricades towards the spot where the body was kept.

By PTI

Updated: Tuesday, December 6, 2016, 17:55 [IST]

Chennai, Dec 6: Chaotic scenes and near-stampede situation prevailed many times at Rajaji Hall today where AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa's body was kept for people to pay their last respect. Party men and public broke police cordons to have last glimpse of their beloved leader, throwing security arrangements out of gear.

[Also Read: This is where Jayalalithaa will be laid to rest!]

Police had a tough time controlling people as they surged forward pushing down iron barricades towards the spot where the body was kept. They entered via the Tamil Nadu Multi-Super Speciality Hospital side entrance and rushed in.

Supporters Gather Outside Rajaji Hall In Chennai To Pay Their Last Respects To Former TN CM Jayalalithaa

For several hours, police personnel did their best to hold the iron barricades in place. However, at one point of time they found the situation uncontrollable leading to collapse of barricades. Similarly, hundreds of AIADMK workers and anxious people pulled down a rope held by police personnel to prevent their entry into the VVIP entrance at the rear side.

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi left the venue, hundreds began to march towards the fleet of stairs to the VVIP entrance. A big chunk of people managed to come in there and headed straight to the spot where Jayalalithaa's body was kept. At one point the crowd began to swell, prompting VVIPs including some ministers to make room to ease the situation.

On several occasions, police had to resort to mild baton-charge. Many youngsters had fierce altercation with police officials. Many women and elderly persons who were caught in the melee pleaded with police personnel to help them get out of the queue. Some, including a former Rajya Sabha MP, fainted.

PTI