Just a day after taking charge as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, C. Joseph Vijay unveiled a major women’s safety and anti-drug initiative by directing the creation of a specialised statewide force named the “Singa Pen Sirappu Anti-Drug Force.”
The newly formed unit has been designed to tackle crimes against women, strengthen anti-narcotics operations and improve rapid response mechanisms across Tamil Nadu.
Following the Chief Minister’s directive, the Tamil Nadu Police Department officially initiated the formation of the force and began preparations for deployment across all districts.
Dedicated Force for Women’s Safety
According to government officials, the new task force will focus on ensuring faster action in cases involving women’s safety, harassment and related crimes.
The specialised unit will operate with a strong statewide coordination system aimed at preventing offences against women while simultaneously targeting organised drug networks affecting young people.
Officials said the force would also work to identify and dismantle narcotics supply chains operating in schools, colleges and urban areas.
Women Officers to Lead Operations
One of the major features of the initiative is the large-scale inclusion of women police personnel in operational roles.
The government has reportedly granted special enforcement powers to women officers attached to the force, enabling them to take direct action against offenders involved in drug trafficking, harassment and crimes targeting women.
The administration believes the presence of more women officers will help improve public confidence and encourage victims to report incidents more freely.
Awareness Campaigns Planned Across Tamil Nadu
Apart from enforcement activities, the “Singa Pen” force has also been tasked with conducting awareness drives in educational institutions and public spaces.
These campaigns will focus on women’s safety, cyber awareness, drug abuse prevention and public vigilance.
Officials said the programme aims to create long-term behavioural awareness among students and youth while strengthening community participation in crime prevention.
Vijay Orders District-Level Expansion
Chief Minister Vijay has instructed authorities to establish the specialised unit in every district to ensure uniform implementation throughout the state.
Senior police officials have already begun administrative procedures following formal government approval.
The name “Singa Pen,” which translates to “lioness” in Tamil, was chosen to symbolise courage, strength and protection, while officials described the force as a compact but powerful mechanism against crime and narcotics.
First Major Decisions After Taking Office
The announcement forms part of Vijay’s early governance measures after assuming office as Chief Minister.
Soon after taking oath, Vijay also announced a free electricity scheme providing 200 units of power free for eligible domestic users consuming within a specified limit during the billing cycle.
In addition, the government approved the establishment of multiple anti-narcotics task force units across Tamil Nadu as part of its broader crackdown on drug-related crimes.
Political Leaders Take Oath as MLAs
Alongside the swearing-in ceremony of the new cabinet, several senior political leaders across parties also took oath as members of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.
Among them were leaders from the DMK and AIADMK, including former Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and opposition leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami.
