2,546 New Positions Added to Tamil Nadu’s Singappen Special Task Force

Chennai – In a packed session of the Assembly on Monday, Chief Minister Joseph Vijay unveiled a sweeping increase in the manpower of the Singappen Special Task Force, a unit conceived to safeguard women and children throughout Tamil Nadu. A total of 2,546 fresh posts were approved, taking the force’s strength to a level the CM described as “necessary for a future where safety is no longer a luxury.”

The announcement came as Vijay responded to a long‑standing debate over budgetary grants for the Police, Fire and Rescue Services. He highlighted that the task force now rolls out 327 four‑wheelers and 109 two‑wheelers, along with cutting‑edge gear that has already cost the state about ₹357 crore.

Since its inception, the Singappen force has logged 268 criminal cases, rescued 125 missing women and children and reunited them with their families. It has also organised a staggering 37,150 awareness programmes, preventing 21 child marriages in the process.

“Our aim isn’t just to react after a crime has occurred,” Vijay said, his tone reflecting both urgency and optimism. “We want to create an environment where women can step out of their homes without fear.” The chief minister stressed that protecting women and children remains one of his administration’s top responsibilities.

Vijay also drew a direct line between law‑and‑order and economic growth, calling the police “the foundation of peace and development.” He warned that industrial investment will dry up if the rule of law is not firmly upheld, and urged the force to act as a stern adversary to anyone who disrespects it.

On the drug front, the government has deployed 65 anti‑drug squads across 37 districts and nine commissionerates. So far, 3,263 narcotics cases have been registered, resulting in 4,350 arrests, the seizure of 4,846 kg of ganja and 116,159 narcotic tablets. Vijay noted that dismantling trafficking networks and shielding youth from addiction are long‑term priorities, and that the fight will extend well beyond the first 100 days of his tenure.

Addressing corruption, the CM assured that enforcement agencies have been instructed to discharge their duties without hesitation, regardless of the rank of the individuals involved. “We will not compromise on corruption,” he declared.

The chief minister also pledged tougher safeguards against deaths in police custody. He outlined a transparent, impartial investigative process that includes post‑mortem examinations, magisterial inquiries and reporting under National Human Rights Commission guidelines. Any officer found culpable will face the full force of the law, with no institutional shield.

To reinforce accountability, Vijay announced enhancements in CCTV surveillance, medical examinations, tech‑based monitoring, professional training and other mechanisms aimed at restoring public confidence in the police across the state.

(IANS)