Is There a Tight Security Blanket Across Northern TN for Diwali Festivities?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 3,500 police personnel deployed across key towns.
- 85 vehicle checkpoints established for monitoring.
- Advanced CCTV surveillance and drone technology in use.
- Regular patrols conducted for quick response.
- Emergency response units positioned at strategic locations.
Chennai, Oct 20 (NationPress) To ensure a safe and joyous Diwali celebration, a comprehensive security framework has been established throughout the northern districts of Vellore, Ranipet, Tirupattur, and Tiruvannamalai. This initiative aims to avert any incidents that might disrupt the festivities.
More than 3,500 police officials have been stationed in key towns including Vellore, Arcot, Arakkonam, Ambur, Tiruvannamalai, Cheyyar, and Vandavasi.
Under the guidance of G. Dharmarajan, Deputy Inspector-General of Police for the Vellore Range, specific precautions have been put in place in vital public areas such as markets, theaters, shopping areas, and festival gathering spots.
The primary goals are to uphold law and order, coordinate traffic flow at busy junctions, and deter minor offenses like theft and chain-snatching.
Police units specializing in law enforcement, crime control, traffic management, armed reserve, Tamil Nadu Special Police, and Home Guards are actively working around the clock in identified busy locations across towns and larger villages.
Around 85 vehicle checkpoints, including those on inter-district borders, have been established to oversee vehicle traffic and guarantee the safe movement of goods. To bolster surveillance, all district headquarters are operating control rooms to monitor closed-circuit television (CCTV) feeds, observe suspicious behavior, and track missing individuals.
Additional CCTV cameras are being installed in high-traffic areas such as Vellore, Gudiyatham, Ambur, Vaniyambadi, Arakkonam, and Tiruvannamalai. Additionally, drone surveillance is being utilized in Tiruvannamalai town to monitor the influx of devotees at the Arunachaleswara Temple.
Railway stations have also been placed under increased scrutiny, with thorough inspections being conducted on trains and at stations to prevent the illegal transport of firecrackers and ensure passenger safety.
Mobile X-ray baggage scanners have been deployed at Katpadi, Arakkonam, Tiruvannamalai, and Jolarpet.
The police are also leveraging cutting-edge technology such as the facial recognition system (FRS) mobile app to identify known offenders in real-time, maintaining coordination through district-level WhatsApp networks.
Regular patrols are being conducted using both four-wheelers and motorcycles to ensure visibility and a rapid response. In light of the festival crowds, women are advised to remain vigilant against chain-snatchers, and scarves are being distributed at major shopping centers as a precautionary measure.
Emergency response units, including ambulances and Fire and Rescue Service teams, are positioned at strategic locations to address any unforeseen incidents during the festive season.
aal/rad