Fearing protests, cops cordon off Marina, Bessie beaches

After rumour spread about entire beach front remaining out of bounds for public, police clarified that public could visit the beach as usual, but they can’t take their vehicles onto the service road. “If we allow the vehicles, it would become difficult to monitor if protesters enter along with public. So, we had asked the visitors to park the vehicles on the pavement of Kamarajar Salai. Otherwise, there is no restriction,” said an official. 

The visitors to the beach increased only after 2 pm on Sunday, and the mounted police force kept a tight vigil on people moving in a suspicious manner. “Police didn’t allow people gather at any one location and constantly asked us to disperse,” said a visitor. Police monitored the crowded from watch towers as well. 

Meanwhile, traffic was affected on Kamarajar Salai since motorists started parking their vehicles on road due to lack of parking space. 

About 500 police personnel were also posted as small teams from Napier bridge to Foreshore Estate to guard the entire Marina stretch and prevent any unlawful gathering. Additionally, Anna Salai too was brought under police scanner. 

All Assistant and Deputy Commissioners have been asked to be alert and present in the city. We don’t want any untoward incident to happen like it did during Jallikattu protests, said an official.

Similarly, Elliot's Beach in Besant Nagar was also brought under security ring after a few men were secured for protesting at the beach.  While public were allowed to enter the beach, but in restricted manner during the day, the stretch was cordoned off entirely after the dusk. Police anticipated that the protesters who could not enter Marina due to security may end up at Besant Nagar. Many families who visited the Besant Nagar beach on Sunday had to return after watching the sea from afar.