CM Vijay launches Singappen Special Force, says drones will be used to prevent crimes against women in TN

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu would introduce drone-based patrols for the first time in India to help prevent crimes against women, chief minister C Joseph Vijay said on Tuesday. Speaking after inaugurating the Singappen Special Force at an event in Rajarathinam Stadium in Egmore here, Vijay reiterated his govt’s “zero tolerance” policy towards crimes against women and said ensuring the safety of women and children remains one of the administration’s highest priorities.Vijay said strict action would be taken against anyone who disturbs the safety of women. He added that chargesheets in such cases would be filed swiftly while ensuring that innocent people are not wrongly punished.He said, “The success of a state lies not just on the economic growth; the real success is the way how we treat the women and their safety in the state.”The chief minister linked crimes against women with the growing menace of drug trafficking. He said the govt would take strong measures to eradicate the drug network and improve law and order.For the first phase of the Singappen Special Force, the govt has allocated over Rs 354 crore. As part of the second phase, 2,500 new posts will be created exclusively for the force. Modern vehicles, advanced equipment and technological tools will also be provided.The chief minister said the new force would support existing women-safety mechanisms and focus on preventive policing. It would work to curb stalking, sexual harassment, repeated targeting of women, trafficking attempts, harassment in public places and buses and other crimes against women.