**Comprehensive Security Measures in Vellore Region Ahead of Deepavali**
As the Deepavali festival approaches, authorities in the Vellore region of Tamil Nadu are implementing extensive security measures to ensure public safety and smooth celebrations. With the festival drawing large crowds to markets, shopping districts, temples, and railway stations, the police forces across Vellore, Ranipet, Tirupattur, and Tiruvannamalai districts have mobilized over 3,500 personnel and adopted a range of advanced surveillance methods.
**Enhanced Police Presence and Deployment**
Responding to directives from G. Dharmarajan, Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) for Vellore, local police units are focusing their efforts on key urban centers such as Vellore, Arcot, Arakkonam, Ambur, Tiruvannamalai, Cheyyar, and Vandavasi. These towns are expected to experience a surge in activity as residents and visitors participate in festive shopping, temple visits, and cultural gatherings.
The police deployment is not limited to just law and order officers. It also includes specialized teams from the crime branch, traffic police, armed reserve, Tamil Nadu Special Police, and Home Guards. This comprehensive mobilization ensures that all aspects of public safety—from crime prevention to traffic management—are covered. Officers are stationed at busy markets, multiplex theaters, major intersections, and densely populated neighborhoods to deter petty crimes such as theft and chain snatching, and to facilitate the smooth flow of traffic during peak hours.
**Vigilance at Transportation Hubs and Borders**
Railway stations and trains are receiving special attention due to the high volume of travelers during the festival season. According to Nikil Kumar Gupta, Inspector of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) in Jolarpet, intensive checks are being conducted both on trains and at stations. These inspections aim to safeguard passengers and prevent the illegal transport of firecrackers, which can pose significant safety risks if mishandled.
To further monitor movement into and out of the districts, at least 85 vehicle checkpoints have been established, including at border areas. These checkpoints serve to scrutinize the flow of vehicles for any suspicious activity, illegal goods, or unlicensed firecracker transportation, which is a common concern during Deepavali. Officers stationed at these points are trained to respond swiftly to any signs of trouble, ensuring that threats are intercepted before they escalate.
**Tech-Enabled Surveillance and Real-Time Coordination**
Modern technology is playing a central role in this year’s security arrangements. All district police headquarters are operating control rooms that monitor live feeds from closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed throughout key towns and villages. These control rooms allow officers to keep a close watch on high-traffic areas, quickly identify emerging incidents, track the movement of known suspects, and assist in locating missing persons.
Recognizing the increased risk in especially crowded places, additional CCTV cameras have been installed in Vellore, Gudiyatham, Ambur, Vaniyambadi, Arakkonam, and Tiruvannamalai. Surveillance is further strengthened by the deployment of drone cameras in Tiruvannamalai, particularly around the Arunachaleswara temple—a major pilgrimage site that experiences a significant uptick in visitors during Deepavali. These drones provide a bird’s-eye view of crowds and vehicle movement, enabling law enforcement to respond proactively to any issues that may arise.
Police teams on the ground are also making use of mobile technology. The facial recognition system (FRS) mobile app is being utilized to scan faces in real time and identify individuals with criminal records. In addition to this, officers are using WhatsApp groups for instant, coordinated communication across different locations, ensuring a rapid and unified response to any incidents.
**Patrols, Baggage Scans, and Emergency Preparedness**
Patrolling has been intensified throughout the region. Both four-wheeler and motorcycle patrol vehicles are conducting frequent rounds in all major towns and villages, maintaining a visible police presence to deter criminal activity and offer reassurance to the public.
Given the increased use of public transportation during the festival, security at railway stations has been further upgraded. Mobile X-ray baggage scanner vehicles have been deployed at key stations like Katpadi, Arakkonam, Tiruvannamalai, and Jolarpet. These scanners help check luggage for prohibited items, including fireworks and other dangerous goods, without causing delays or inconvenience to travelers.
**Community Awareness and Support Measures**