One month into his tenure as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, C Joseph Vijay announced the formation of a dedicated women’s safety unit on Tuesday, framing it as both a law enforcement measure and a moral obligation. This initiative addresses one of the most debated issues from the recent election, signaling a strong commitment from his administration.
During a ceremony held at Chennai’s Rajarathinam Stadium, Vijay officially introduced the Singappen Special Force, a policing division focused solely on combating crimes against women and girls. With an initial budget exceeding Rs 354 crore, the unit is designed to complement existing law enforcement while emphasizing preventive measures, prompt responses, and field monitoring.
The launch has broader implications beyond mere policing. Throughout the electoral campaign, concerns regarding crimes against women and the proliferation of narcotics were frequently highlighted by opposition parties, civil organizations, and families of victims. These topics were pivotal in criticizing the previous DMK administration. Vijay had pledged a “zero tolerance” stance on both issues during his campaign.
On Tuesday, he highlighted the link between these concerns, stating, “When we analyse why these problems occur, wherever you look, it ultimately stops at one point — the circulation of narcotic substances. That must be uprooted completely.”
Without directly referencing the former administration, he implied that the situation had been allowed to worsen over time due to a lack of attention. “This problem did not suddenly emerge on May 10,” he remarked, pointing to the day his government took office. “Its roots spread because it was ignored for years.”
The Singappen Special Force will concentrate on preventing various forms of violence against women, including stalking, sexual harassment, attempted abductions, and public harassment. Officials indicated that the unit would handle women’s safety complaints and collaborate with both governmental and non-governmental organizations for rescue operations and awareness initiatives.
A standout feature of the initiative is the introduction of what has been termed India’s first drone-based patrol system aimed at reducing crimes against women. Additionally, the government plans to create 2,500 more positions in the next phase of the project, as well as provide the force with specialized vehicles, surveillance technology, and modern policing tools.
During the event, Vijay issued a strong warning regarding law and order. “Whoever disturbs the safety of women will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” he stated, assuring rapid filing of charge sheets and harsh penalties for offenders, while advising police not to wrongfully implicate innocent individuals in their pursuit of quick resolutions.
This initiative is part of a larger strategy to enhance law and order that has characterized Vijay’s first month in office. Shortly after assuming power in May, he led a high-level review with senior police and administrative officials, prioritizing women’s safety, narcotics control, and public order in the government’s agenda.
The administration is also looking to strengthen the state’s anti-narcotics operations by establishing more Anti-Narcotic Task Force stations, indicating a vigorous approach towards combating drug trafficking.
For Vijay, whose government is still establishing its identity following a significant electoral victory, the Singappen Force symbolizes more than just a law enforcement initiative. “The true measure of a government’s success,” he declared at the gathering, “is whether the women and children of the state are able to live with dignity and respect.”
