Chennai: Two police inspectors attached to Pallavaram and Chromepet stations—Palanivel and Dayal—have been shunted out of the Tambaram city police control room, after a video of their dance inside the police station during Pongal went viral on social media platforms. Twenty-five other police personnel—four sub-inspectors and 10 constables from Pallavaram police station, and one sub-inspector and 10 constables from Chromepet police station—were transferred to the Armed Reserve for one day as censure. They were later reposted to their respective stations with a stern warning to maintain discipline.Tambaram commissioner of police A Amalraj issued the orders on Saturday.
The disciplinary action was initiated as the officers failed to maintain decorum inside the police stations, which drew criticism from several quarters, said sources. A senior police officer said action was taken not only against the personnel who danced but also against supervisory officers who failed to prevent it.Police sources said Pongal celebrations were officially organized on Jan 13 at the Armed Reserve Complex in Paduvancherry near Selaiyur, where the commissioner and senior officers participated. Later, celebrations were held in police stations across the commissionerate limits.During the celebrations at Pallavaram and Chromepet police stations, police personnel in traditional attire danced inside the station. Videos went viral on social media, drawing widespread criticism.