Constable Dharmaraj, 56, was part of the Tamil Nadu Special Police Training Centre band; he is survived by his wife and two children
Chennai: A 56-year-old police constable died after collapsing during the Independence Day celebrations at Fort St George in Chennai on Saturday. The constable, identified as Dharmaraj, reportedly complained of severe chest pain before collapsing shortly after the national flag was hoisted.
Dharmaraj was a resident of Thoothukudi district and was living with his family in the new police quarters at Avadi. He was a member of the band attached to the Tamil Nadu Special Police Training Centre in Avadi.
He is survived by his wife and two children.
Constable collapses after flag hoisting
According to officials, Dharmaraj was on duty as part of the police band during the Independence Day celebrations at Fort St George.
After the national flag was hoisted during the ceremony, he suddenly experienced severe chest pain and collapsed.
Police personnel who were present nearby immediately came to his assistance. A 108 emergency ambulance was called to the spot without delay.
Dharmaraj was seated on a chair and taken towards the ambulance. A nurse accompanying the ambulance administered CPR in an attempt to revive him.
However, he remained unconscious and was subsequently taken to Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in Chennai.
Doctors declare him dead
At the hospital, Dharmaraj was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and placed on a ventilator.
Despite efforts by the medical team, he could not be revived. Doctors said that by the time he was brought to the hospital, he had already died.
The exact medical cause of death will be established through the relevant medical and post-mortem procedures.
Police personnel pay tribute
Following the post-mortem examination, Dharmaraj’s mortal remains were taken to the Second Battalion of the Tamil Nadu Special Police Force in Avadi.
Senior police officials and his fellow personnel paid their last respects to the deceased constable.
His body was later transported to his native Thoothukudi district, where the final rites are expected to be conducted.
CM Vijay announces ₹30 lakh relief
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister TVK Vijay expressed grief over the death of the constable and announced financial assistance of ₹30 lakh for his family.
In a statement, the Chief Minister said he was deeply saddened by the news that 56-year-old Constable Dharmaraj, a member of the band at the Tamil Nadu Special Police Training Centre in Avadi, had suddenly collapsed during the Independence Day parade at Fort St George and later died while undergoing treatment at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital.
The Chief Minister described Dharmaraj’s death as an irreparable loss to the Tamil Nadu Police and his family.
He conveyed his condolences to Dharmaraj’s bereaved family, relatives and colleagues and ordered the release of a ₹30 lakh relief fund to support the family.
A tragic loss during national celebration
The incident cast a sombre shadow over the Independence Day celebrations in Chennai.
Dharmaraj was performing his official duty as part of the police band when he suffered the medical emergency. His death has left his family, colleagues and the Tamil Nadu Police mourning the loss of a serving member.
The government assistance announced by the Chief Minister is expected to provide financial support to the constable’s wife and two children following the tragedy.
