R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, JUNE 9
In a first-of-its-kind policing initiative that blends technology with grassroots law enforcement, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Tuesday launched the ‘Singappen’ Special Force, an exclusive police unit dedicated to the safety of women and children, while announcing that drone-based patrols would become part of public policing for the first time anywhere in the country.
The launch marks one of the flagship governance initiatives of the new TVK government and reflects a broader shift towards preventive policing, enhanced surveillance and rapid intervention in crimes targeting women and children. The specialised force will function with dedicated patrol vehicles, focused monitoring of vulnerable locations and technology-enabled field operations.
மாண்புமிகு தமிழ்நாடு முதலமைச்சர் திரு. ச.ஜோசப் விஜய் அவர்கள் இன்று (9.6.2026) சென்னை, எழும்பூர், இராஜரத்தினம் அரங்கத்தில் நடைபெற்ற விழாவில், தமிழ்நாட்டில் பெண்களின் பாதுகாப்பை மேம்படுத்தும் வகையில் உருவாக்கப்பட்டுள்ள சிங்கப்பெண் சிறப்பு அதிரடிப்படையைத் தொடங்கி வைத்து… pic.twitter.com/ZZKhUmfOT7
— CMOTamilNadu (@CMOTamilnadu) June 9, 2026
- Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay launches India’s first drone-assisted women safety police force, signalling a technology-driven shift in crime prevention and rapid response.
- ₹354-crore first-phase investment, 2,500 new posts and dedicated patrol vehicles to power a statewide security grid for women and children.
- Special force to combine surveillance, public policing, cyber vigilance and community outreach as Tamil Nadu adopts a zero-tolerance policy against crimes against women.
- CM links crimes against women with the drug menace, vows uncompromising action and says years of neglect allowed narcotics to take deep root across society.
At a ceremonial function in Chennai, Vijay unveiled the insignia of the new force, flagged off its patrol vehicles and personally drove one of the vehicles for a short distance before inspecting a special police parade and receiving a ceremonial salute.
Addressing police personnel and officials, the Chief Minister declared that Tamil Nadu would pioneer a new model of women-centric policing.
“For the first time in the country, drone-based patrol will be undertaken by the special unit for women’s safety.”
Officials said the force has been conceived to identify vulnerable zones, increase police visibility in public spaces, prevent harassment and respond swiftly to complaints involving women and children. The unit is also expected to strengthen community policing and confidence-building measures across the state.
Making women’s safety a governance priority, Vijay issued a stern warning against offenders.
“There will be zero tolerance for crimes against women.”
He assured that offenders would face swift action and stringent punishment, asserting that crimes against women inflict deep social wounds and demand uncompromising enforcement.
The Chief Minister also drew a direct connection between gender-based violence and the growing narcotics challenge, calling for a comprehensive crackdown on drugs.
“Crimes against women caused deep distress.”
“Such crimes and the prevalence of drugs–intoxicants were interlinked and the drug menace must be eradicated.”
In a pointed political remark without naming any party, Vijay suggested that the roots of the drug problem lay in years of administrative neglect.
“As it was neglected for so long, its roots have spread so deeply. I believe I don’t need to explicitly tell you who is responsible for ignoring it all these years.”
The government has earmarked more than ₹354 crore in the first phase for establishing the force and announced that 2,500 new posts will be created in the second phase, significantly expanding the state’s policing capacity for women and child protection.
The initiative, announced soon after Vijay assumed office and now formally rolled out, is expected to operate under a dedicated command structure with specialised personnel, cyber support and district-level deployment aimed at strengthening preventive policing across Tamil Nadu.
Director General of Police Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal reaffirmed the police department’s commitment to the mission.
“We understand that dignity and freedom are their right.”
Thanking the Chief Minister for inaugurating the force, the DGP assured that the police department would make every effort to ensure a safer environment for women and children across the state.
With “’Singappen’—meaning ‘Lioness’—”Tamil Nadu is betting on a fusion of technology, visibility policing and specialised response mechanisms to redefine public safety, placing women-centric security at the heart of its law enforcement strategy.
