Chennai, Nov 5 (NationPress) Following the horrific gang-rape of a college student near the Coimbatore airport in Tamil Nadu, local law enforcement has pinpointed 59 secluded and deserted areas within their jurisdiction to implement increased night patrols and enhance visible policing efforts.

This decision comes in response to widespread public outcry regarding what many perceive as a systemic failure to ensure women's safety in these vulnerable locations.

The shocking incident took place in a remote section behind the airport, which residents claim has long been a hotspot for criminal activities. Locals have reported that it is common for groups of men to gather there for drinking, and instances of theft and robbery are frequent. Despite prior complaints, police presence in these isolated regions has been minimal, with patrol vehicles rarely venturing beyond adjacent residential areas.

A senior police official acknowledged that regular night patrols by station house officers had become sporadic. In some areas, patrol vehicles would only stop briefly, flash their headlights, and depart.

The area of Brindhavan Nagar–SIHS Colony, where the crime occurred, covers hundreds of acres filled with dense shrubs and bushes, making it challenging to monitor without consistent patrolling.

Authorities emphasize that regular surveillance of these areas can aid in identifying suspicious activities and deter the gathering of anti-social elements.

Women living in the vicinity, particularly those who work late, express that deserted spots like those around Vellakinar are intimidating for solo travelers. Many report that groups of men openly consume alcohol at night, rendering the route unsafe.

Residents have also called on property owners to tidy up and secure their vacant lots to prevent unlawful congregations.

City Police Commissioner A. Saravana Sundar has instructed beat officers and patrol teams to conduct daily inspections of deserted locations and dilapidated buildings, especially during evening and night hours, and to disperse individuals loitering without legitimate reasons.

Officers have been directed to carry torches, lathis, and utilize sirens during patrols. Police sources indicate that many CCTV cameras throughout the city are currently non-functional, often due to poor maintenance or negligence by property owners.

Authorities have urged citizens to ensure that cameras and streetlights on private properties remain operational.

The Coimbatore City Police has also recommended that women download the ‘Kaval Uthavi’ app, which can transmit emergency alerts and live locations to the control room for prompt assistance in distress situations.