Two key districts in Tamil Nadu, Kanyakumari and Virudhunagar, have reported a substantial and encouraging decline in major criminal activities for the year 2025. The police forces in both regions attribute this positive trend to a combination of rigorous law enforcement strategies and innovative community outreach programs.
Kanyakumari's Multi-Pronged Strategy Yields Results
The Kanyakumari district police presented data showing a remarkable 17.5% reduction in murder cases and an even more dramatic 86% drop in highway robberies in 2025 compared to the figures from 2024. Officials credited this success to a proactive stance against anti-social elements and a series of initiatives designed to involve the community.
A significant factor was the enhancement of physical and technological surveillance. The police intensified patrolling and massively expanded the CCTV network, which now monitors 11,943 strategic locations across the district, creating a powerful deterrent against crime.
Focus on Vulnerable Sections and Narcotics Crackdown
Protecting women and children was a primary focus, exemplified by the launch of the "Nimir" initiative in April 2025. This dedicated team conducted over 7,000 awareness sessions, reaching nearly 19.5 lakh (1.95 million) people. This grassroots effort contributed to a staggering 225% increase in convictions under the Pocso Act in 2025 compared to the previous year.
Simultaneously, a fierce crackdown on narcotics led to the seizure of 153 kg of ganja and nearly 3,000 kg of banned tobacco products like gutka. This drive resulted in the arrest of more than 1,100 individuals and the closure of 379 shops involved in illegal sales.
The cybercrime unit also registered notable achievements, recovering 1,265 missing mobile phones valued at Rs 2.05 crore. They froze bank accounts containing over Rs 2.89 crore linked to online fraud and successfully returned Rs 1.53 crore to the victims. Initiatives like "Kumari Kavalan" multilingual tourist kiosks and dedicated tourist patrols further strengthened community policing and public safety.
Virudhunagar Mirrors the Positive Trend
Similarly, the Virudhunagar district police reported a significant decrease in serious crimes. Cases of attempted murder and hurt fell to 572 in 2025 from 672 in 2024. The police acted firmly against habitual offenders, detaining 30 history-sheeters under the Goondas Act in 2025.
They also secured convictions in 26 Pocso cases, demonstrating effective legal follow-through. In the fight against illegal tobacco, authorities seized products worth Rs 29.2 lakh and levied fines totaling Rs 60 lakh on 213 shops.
The collective data from these two districts underscores the effectiveness of integrating technology-driven policing with strong community engagement and targeted action against specific crime sectors. The dramatic rise in Pocso convictions and the sharp fall in violent crimes point to a model that could inspire law enforcement strategies in other regions.
