Chennai, Oct 12: Shankar Devarajan, Founder and CEO of Shankar IAS Academy, a popular civil services coaching institute in Tamil Nadu, was found dead at his residence in Mylapore, Chennai on Thursday. The 45-year-old professor took his own life allegedly due to personal reasons.

Shankar was rushed to St. Isabel's hospital in Mylapore, late on Thursday night, where he was declared dead. His body was then taken to Royapettah Government Hospital for post-mortem.

This news has shocked many of his students across the country and condolences have been pouring in. Shankar who hails from Krishnagiri began the institute in 2004 in Anna Nagar, Chennai. His academy was the first in the state that aimed to train IAS and IPS aspirants. His academy is of national repute and has churned out hundreds of officers who are placed is different states in India. The Academy had recently opened a bigger building in the city.

"He was a very sincere and knowledgeable youngster. In just a short while, he built his academy into a successful enterprise. He had failed and exhausted all his attempts in an effort to clear the civil exams. But he learnt from this failure and decided to impart the knowledge that he had to help other students - especially those from the backward communities. More than a teacher, he was a friend and guide to his students. His absence is definitely a blow for aspiring students,” says MLA R Natraj, who has taken classes at the academy since 2010.

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Kolkata (PTI): Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar directed the authorities concerned to immediately arrest those involved in post-poll violence and vandalism in West Bengal, an official said on Wednesday.

The Election Commission's directive came after two persons were killed in alleged incidents of post-poll violence in the state on Tuesday, besides scores of party offices being ransacked.

The CEC issued instructions to the West Bengal chief secretary, director general of police, Kolkata police commissioner and directors general of central armed police forces, along with all district magistrates, superintendents of police and other officials, to maintain continuous patrolling in sensitive areas, he said.

"Those responsible for inciting violence and carrying out acts of vandalism must be arrested immediately," the official said, quoting the CEC's instruction.

The chief election commissioner also stressed the need for swift and firm enforcement of the law, he added.

This directive came amid concerns over law and order in parts of the state, with the Election Commission closely monitoring the situation, he added.

"We have been asked to remain on high alert and ensure that any attempt to disturb peace is dealt with firmly," a senior police officer said.

The state authorities have intensified vigil across districts, with coordinated efforts between the police and central forces to prevent any untoward incident, he added.

The assembly elections were held in West Bengal in two phases - April 23 and 29. The counting of votes took place on May 4.

The BJP sealed a landslide victory with 207 seats in the 294-member assembly, ending the TMC's uninterrupted 15-year rule in the state.