Why Did TN Police Increase Security in Western Districts After the Murder of an Elderly Couple?

Synopsis
The Tamil Nadu Police are increasing security in western districts after the brutal murder of an elderly couple in Erode. With recent crime trends alarming locals, law enforcement is enhancing patrols and advising residents on safety measures. This incident raises questions about rural security and the effectiveness of community vigilance in preventing such tragedies.
Key Takeaways
- Brutal murder of an elderly couple raises alarm.
- Police have doubled patrols in vulnerable areas.
- Community vigilance is essential for safety.
- Encouragement of CCTV installation for better security.
- Use of tech like ‘Kaval Udhavi’ app for reporting issues.
Chennai, May 6 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu Police have stepped up security measures in the western districts after the shocking murder of an elderly couple residing in a farmhouse near Sivagiri, Erode district. The victims, R. Ramasamy (75) and his wife Bhagyalakshmi (65), who lived in Vijayanagaram near Vilakethi, were discovered deceased with numerous injuries on May 1.
Their remains, which were already decomposing, indicated that the crime took place several days prior. Authorities mentioned that approximately 10 sovereigns of gold jewellery were reported stolen. This incident marks the third murder of its kind in the area over the last two years.
The couple's son, Kavi Sankar, and daughter, Banumathi, reside in Tiruppur district. Alarm was raised when Kavi Sankar could not reach his father via phone. He subsequently asked a relative to check on his parents, who then found the couple had been brutally killed in their farmhouse.
The residence, situated within a coconut grove and lacking surveillance cameras or nearby homes within a 200-metre radius, was particularly vulnerable.
Police suspect that the assailants meticulously planned the attack and might have utilized a nearby irrigation canal for access and escape.
In light of this, law enforcement has enhanced canal-based patrols in the western districts of Erode, Tiruppur, and Coimbatore. The number of patrol units has more than doubled, increasing from 39 to 82, covering major irrigation channels associated with the Parambikulam Aliyar Project (PAP), Lower Bhavani Project (LBP), and Noyyal River.
According to officials, patrol units in Tiruppur have risen from 23 to 35, in Erode from 11 to 22, and in Coimbatore from 5 to 15. These routes were identified with the assistance of the Water Resources Department.
Each patrol team consists of two officers, with one being armed. The police are also visiting farmhouses to assess security measures and recommend that residents install CCTV cameras and join WhatsApp groups for faster alerts.
Officers are encouraging villagers to use the ‘Kaval Udhavi’ app for emergencies and to report any suspicious activities. An additional 300 officers have been dispatched to Erode and Tiruppur to aid in patrolling and investigation.