RPF police personnel check trains and platforms at Jolarpet railway station in Tirupattur.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
As part of Deepavali festival preparedness to prevent any untoward incidents, the District Police in Vellore, Ranipet, Tirupattur and Tiruvannamalai have put in place extensive security arrangements in key towns like Vellore, Arcot, Arakkonam, Ambur, Tiruvannamalai, Cheyyar and Vandavasi and deployed over 3,500 police personnel to ensure public safety.
Based on orders of G. Dharmarajan, Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), Vellore, special security measures have been implemented, especially at public gathering spots like markets, shopping areas and multiplex theatres in key towns to prevent petty crime, smooth flow of traffic at busy intersections and arterial roads.
“Intensive checks in trains and railway stations are being done to ensure the safety of passengers and to prevent illegal transport of crackers,” Nikil Kumar Gupta, Inspector, Railway Protection Force (RPF), Jolarpet, told The Hindu.
Personnel from the law and order, crime, traffic, armed reserve, Tamil Nadu Special Police, and Home Guards are on duty at identified busy spots in major towns and big villages in these districts.
Police said that at least 85 vehicle checkpoints, including border areas, have been set up in these districts to monitor the movement of vehicles. All district police headquarters have control rooms to monitor closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera feeds, track the movements of suspects, and help locate missing persons.
Additional CCTV cameras have been installed in crowded spots in Vellore, Gudiyatham, Ambur, Vaniyambadi, Arakkonam and Tiruvannamalai town to monitor the movement of vehicles. Drone cameras have also been deployed in Tiruvannamalai town due to the rise in footfalls at Arunachaleswara temple.
Police teams are also using the facial recognition system (FRS) mobile app to identify known offenders, with real-time coordination through WhatsApp groups. Four-wheeler and motorcycle beat vehicles are being used to conduct frequent patrols.
Mobile X-ray baggage scanner vehicles are being used to inspect luggage at key railway stations like Katpadi, Arakkonam, Tiruvannamalai and Jolarpet. Women shoppers have been advised to wear scarves to protect themselves from chain snatchers, and scarves are also being distributed at shopping hubs. Ambulances, along with Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Service teams, have been stationed in major towns for emergencies.
Published – October 19, 2025 11:59 pm IST
