Chennai: Short of sleep, peckish and yet standing strong were the men and women from police forces guarding streets and corners across Chennai for the last three days. On Tuesday, most of the roads of the deserted city had policemen keeping vigil against any untoward incidents.

Anna Salai that led to Rajaji Hall had policemen giving directions to commuters, managing crowds, and patiently responding to queries.

“I am on continuous duty for the past three days. I went home late night to get some rest and was back again this morning,” said K Deepa from the Prohibition Enforcement Wing. She was on duty at Rajaji Hall where Jayalalithaa’s body was kept for the public to pay their tributes.

Munching on biscuits was another cop who said she was not able to move out for lunch as all shops were closed nearby, and was unaware of free tamarind rice being distributed opposite the Government hospital at Omandurar Estate.

“During these days, we have been asked to eat outside but with so much crowds to be managed it is not possible to step out,” he told DC. Juggling with her duty and wanting to pay tributes to the departed leader with her family was another cop, who didn’t want to be identified.

Meanwhile, police personnel controlling the crowd at Rajaji Hall were also helping people get a clear glance of their leader, click photos and shoot videos.

The swelling crowds and people pushing against and pulling each other only made it more difficult to manage them. “We have been on duty from Apollo to Rajaji Hall and from tomorrow onwards, for a week, we have to be at Marina,” said another cop.