Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has announced the induction of 2,500 police personnel into the Singappen Special Force, a dedicated unit aimed at preventing and responding to crimes against women. He also allocated ₹354 crore for the first phase of this initiative.
Launch of the Singappen Force
Launching the Singappen force on Tuesday in Chennai, Vijay stated that the initiative was close to his heart and that women's safety remains a top priority for his government. Reaffirming his administration's 'zero-tolerance' policy towards crimes against women, he emphasized that the special force represents the first step in the government's strategy of preventive policing to protect women and children.
Innovative Drone-Based Patrols
The Chief Minister also announced that Tamil Nadu would introduce 'drone-based patrols' to support the special force, describing it as the first such initiative in the country for preventing crimes against women. Modern vehicles, advanced equipment, and technological tools will be provided to the force to enhance its operational capabilities.
Vijay further stated that the success of a government should be measured not merely by economic growth or infrastructure development but by the confidence and security with which women and children live in society.
Strict Action Against Offenders
The Chief Minister warned that strict action would be taken against those involved in offences against women and that the police department would act firmly against such crimes. He added that charge sheets in these cases would be filed expeditiously while ensuring that innocent persons were not wrongly implicated, in the interest of speedy trials.
Vijay identified the growing drug menace as a major factor contributing to crime and said the government would intensify efforts to dismantle drug networks and strengthen law and order. He also stressed the need for both collective and individual discipline to create a safe social environment.
Focus Areas of the Special Force
The Singappen Special Force will focus primarily on preventive policing and address offences such as stalking, sexual harassment, repeated harassment of women, trafficking attempts, and crimes committed in public places and on public transport. The new unit will function alongside the existing women's safety mechanisms across the state.
Addressing the gathering, Home Secretary K Manivasan expressed confidence that the Singappen Special Force would become a landmark initiative in strengthening the protection of women and children in the state.
DGP and head of the police force in the state, Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal, presented the Singappen shield to the Chief Minister and proposed a vote of thanks.
