Tamil Nadu CM Announces ₹30 Lakh Relief Following Death of Police Constable on Independence Day Duty
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay expressed grief over the demise of a Grade-I police constable who collapsed while performing duty during the Independence Day celebrations in Chennai and subsequently passed away during medical care. To support the bereaved kin, the Chief Minister announced a financial assistance package of ₹30 lakh.
What Happened
According to an official release, the incident occurred during the Independence Day parade proceedings conducted at Fort St. George in Chennai. Grade-I police constable A. Dharmaraj was assigned to parade duties as part of the Drums Bagpiper band representing the Tamil Nadu Special Police Training Centre located in Avadi.
During the event, Dharmaraj fainted while performing his official assignment. He was immediately transported and admitted to the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in Chennai for emergency medical care. Despite medical intervention, he succumbed while undergoing treatment at the facility.
On Sunday, August 16, 2026, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay shared his grief regarding the personnel’s untimely passing and issued an official directive sanctioning ₹30 lakh as solatium for Dharmaraj’s family.
Key Highlights
- Deceased Officer: A. Dharmaraj, serving as a Grade-I police constable.
- Unit: Drums Bagpiper band, Tamil Nadu Special Police Training Centre, Avadi.
- Incident Location: Fort St. George, Chennai, during the Independence Day parade.
- Medical Centre: Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, where the officer passed away during treatment after fainting on duty.
- Relief Sanctioned: Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay announced ₹30 lakh financial relief to the bereaved family.
Why This Matters
The announcement provides immediate state assistance to the family of a police personnel who suffered a fatal health emergency while carrying out ceremonial security and parade obligations during state Independence Day proceedings at Fort St. George.
What to Watch Next
Official disbursement of the announced ₹30 lakh solatium to the family members of constable A. Dharmaraj will follow through state administrative channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the police constable who passed away?
The officer was A. Dharmaraj, a Grade-I police constable attached to the Drums Bagpiper band of the Tamil Nadu Special Police Training Centre in Avadi.
Where and when did the incident take place?
Constable Dharmaraj fainted while performing official parade duties at Fort St. George in Chennai during the Independence Day events and subsequently passed away at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital.
What financial relief has the Tamil Nadu government announced?
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay ordered that a sum of ₹30 lakh be granted to the bereaved family of the deceased constable.
Source: Based on an official press release reported by The Hindu.