Police personnel tasked with security at the Tamil Nadu Secretariat in Chennai have been alarmed after some visitors reportedly filmed videos and posted them as social media “reels” from inside the complex, including ministers’ rooms.
Since the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government led by Chief Minister Vijay took office on May 10, the Secretariat has seen increasing footfall from people across the state seeking to meet ministers and senior officials or to submit petitions to the Chief Minister’s special cell. Police have tightened checks and are deployed in three shifts round the clock at entry points.
Officials said those entering are questioned on the purpose of their visit, whom they intend to meet and whether they have prior permission. Only visitors carrying proper documents are allowed in.
Despite this, some TVK visitors who come with permission to meet ministers have been recording videos while moving through the Secretariat and uploading them as reels, including guidance on which areas can be accessed. A recent reel by a young woman showing her visit to Mineral Resources Minister Prabhu’s room, including travel in a VIP lift used by ministers and department secretaries, triggered fresh concern among security staff.
Social activists warned that videos shot inside the Secretariat could end up in the hands of anti-social elements and urged authorities to prevent such filming.
