Chennai Alert Over Karunanidhi Death News, Police Leaves Cancelled

DMK chief and former Tamil Nadu Chief minister M Karunanidhi who was critical breathed his last this evening. He was 94. The area around Kauvery Hospital where the Kalaignar was being treated was cordoned off soon after the hospital released a health bulletin declaring the sad demise of the political stalwart.

While thousands of party workers and supporters of M Karunanidhi were heartbroken upon hearing the news, it is learnt that security has been tightened across Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu.

The five-time Tamil Nadu chief minister’s death news has saddened lakhs of his followers who were hoping that the DMK chief would get back in shape.

Also Read: DMK Supporters’ Emotions Run High Over Karunanidhi’s Critical State

The Tamil Nadu police has been put on high alert with their leaves cancelled and more personnel deployed across the state to ensure law and order.

As news of M Karunanidhi’s death spread, Twitter was flooded with prayers and messages from his supporters. A few shared their thoughts on the leaders, while others offered prayers for his soul to rest in peace.

According to latest reports, the situation at the Kauvery Hospital in Chennai is tense with police barricades all around. Thousands of supporters have assembled at the premises demanding that they get a last glimpse of their beloved leader.

Besides, the situation also resembles the way it was at the time of late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's death prompting the police to be on their toes.

Even as crowds swelled, Stalin appealed for peace from DMK supporters. It may be recalled that M Karunanidhi was being treated for urinary tract infection and fever. He was moved from his Gopalapuram residence in Chennai to Kauvery Hospital on July 29 after his blood pressure levels dropped.

He was being closely monitored by a battery of medical experts who said his condition had been stabilised and that the DMK patriarch was responding to treatment.

Also Read: Rare Photo Collection: Karunanidhi’s Pics From Childhood To Till Now

However, his health deteriorated after he contracted jaundice and his body refused to respond to treatment. The hospital had declared that the situation was grim and his vital organs were not functions as they should.

Over the last few weeks, political leaders cutting across party lines had been paying the ailing leader a visit to wish him a speedy recovery.

Karunandhi's son MK Stalin appealed to the party cadre as well as supporters and the general public to exercise restraint and maintain calm.

Earlier in the day, the police had to resort to mild lathicharge to bring the situation under control. Emotions are running high with Kalaignar fans chanting slogans at the hospital premises.

Also Read: Karunanidhi Shifted To Kauvery Hospital After Blood Pressure Drops