RIP Amma: Tamil Nadu mourns Jayalalithaa's demise, Chennai comes to standstill

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu capital on Tuesday woke up to a grinding halt in the wake of the demise of its leader and or rather say 'Amma'.

AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa passed away at Chennai's Apollo Hospitals yesterday night after battling her health worries for almost 75 days. 

At least two millions of people have gathered outside Chennai's Rajaji Hall where Jayalalithaa's body has been kept to let public pay their homage. 

The Tamil Nadu government announced a seven-day state mourning as a mark of respect for its departed leader. 

A near total shutdown like situation is seen in the city and several other parts of the state since last evening itself.

Public transport services, including autorickshaws, were seen off the roads while some private vehicles were seen plying in various parts of the city as police personnel kept a tight vigil at vantage points in the city.

Almost all tea stalls, which usually do a brisk business in the early hours, remaining closed, mobile tea vendors could be seen dispensing the brew at some places. Hotels are also closed.

Suburban train services, however, were being operated in the city, albeit with lower passenger rush. Long distance trains arriving at Chennai Central and Egmore stations were on time.

The Tamil film industry announced cancellation of shootings scheduled for today. Theaters in the state have also cancelled all their shows.