Coimbatore Police Steps Up Security Measures After Shocking Student Gangrape Incident
Enhanced Patrolling Initiatives in Coimbatore
Chennai: In response to the alarming gangrape of a college student near the airport, Coimbatore Police have ramped up their night patrols and increased visibility in 59 designated isolated zones.
This decision comes amid public outrage regarding perceived failures in safeguarding women's safety in these vulnerable areas.
The tragic incident took place in a remote area behind the airport, which locals describe as a hotspot for criminal activity. Residents have noted that groups of men often gather there to drink, and incidents of theft and robbery have been reported frequently. Despite numerous complaints, police presence in these secluded areas has been minimal, with patrols rarely extending beyond nearby residential neighborhoods.
A senior police official acknowledged that regular night patrols by station officers had become infrequent. In some locations, patrol vehicles would only stop briefly, flash their lights, and then leave.
The area around Brindhavan Nagar–SIHS Colony, where the incident occurred, covers hundreds of acres filled with dense shrubs, making it challenging to monitor without consistent patrols.
Police officials emphasize that systematic surveillance of these areas is crucial for detecting suspicious activities and preventing gatherings of anti-social elements.
Women living in these neighborhoods, particularly those who work late, express that deserted areas like Vellakinar are intimidating for solo travelers. Many report that groups of men drink openly at night, rendering the routes unsafe.
Residents have also called on property owners to maintain and secure their vacant lots to deter unlawful gatherings.
City Police Commissioner A. Saravana Sundar has instructed beat officers and patrol teams to conduct daily inspections of deserted areas and abandoned buildings, especially during evening and nighttime hours, and to disperse individuals loitering without valid reasons.
Officers are now required to carry torches, batons, and use sirens during their patrols. Additionally, police sources have indicated that many CCTV cameras throughout the city are non-operational due to poor maintenance or negligence by property owners.
Authorities are urging citizens to ensure that cameras and streetlights on their properties are functional.
The Coimbatore City Police have also recommended that women download the ‘Kaval Uthavi’ app, which allows users to send emergency alerts and share their live location with the control room for immediate assistance in distress situations.