[Gadarett]

Chief minister Jayalalithaa on Wednesday asked the state police to handle rioters, murderers and dacoits with an iron hand and also told them to be friendly with those who respect law.

“You should serve with responsibility and dedication. You should be a friend to those who respect law.

At the same time, you should crush rioters, murderers and dacoits with an iron fist,” Jayalalithaa said during a passing out parade of sub inspectors at Tamil Nadu Police Academy near Vandalur.

A total of 1,061 sub inspectors including 307 women officers had completed their training at the academy. Stressing the need of training to police officers, the chief minister said that their policing should reflect the ideals taught to them during the course.

“While on service, you should remember that law was made to serve mankind. It would not be correct to follow law without observing humanity,” she said.

She said that mercy can be shown only to those who deserve. “You should take the hardline when your soft approach is not working. But, your being hard should remain within the limits of necessity,” the chief minister said.