Stung by criticism over its act of ‘moral policing’ against lovers on the sands of famous Marina Beach and other public places in Chennai a few days back, the city police on Friday sought to downplay the action and said it was targeted only against couples ‘engaged in indecent acts’."We have advised the officials to take action against couples behaving in an indecent manner and not to disturb others," Chennai Police Commissioner G Nanchil Kumaran said.The couples were most welcome to the Marina to spend their time in a ‘decent manner’, he said replying to a query. Hereafter, police action would be focussed on eve-teasers.Marina one of the popular attractions of the city sported a deserted look for the past few days following the police action against the lovers in beaches and parks which evoked criticism with many dubbing it as 'moral policing' and 'invasion' of privacy.On the issue of tricksters misusing matrimony websites to make monetary gains and cheating women, Kumaran advised caution and discretion of those responding to such postings.Referring to the arrangements for the September 23 Vinayaka idols procession for immersion in sea, he said around 5,000 police personnel would be deployed in the city. The Commissioner himself will oversee security arrangements."Six companies of Special Police and one company of Commandos will also be deployed," Kumaran said. The organizers have been strictly instructed to adhere to rules, especially desist from raising controversial slogans.Later, the Commissioner handed over recovered stolen properties worth Rs 1.7 crore, including cars, two-wheelers, cash and jewels to the owners.
