Terrorism, religious fundamentalism and left-wing extremism posed a threat to society, and the investigative agencies should be strengthened to curb the menace, Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami said here on Monday.
Addressing a conference of District Collectors and senior police officials, he said, “Stringent action should be taken against those who pose a threat to national security.”
Fixing responsibility
Talking tough on the sale of gutkha, single digit lottery, online rummy and other contraband, Mr. Palaniswami said strong action was needed against such illegal activities.
“If such offences take place within your jurisdiction, the personnel of the police station concerned should be held responsible and action should be taken [against them],” he said.
The Chief Minister laid stress on the need for coordination between the Collectors and the Superintendents of Police of every district to maintain law and order.
“Your actions should not be poles apart, but should coordinate like two eyes,” he said.
Regular patrolling to prevent dacoity and chain-snatching, visible policing and the use of technology, including cameras, were among the tips offered by the Chief Minister for maintaining law and order. The emerging menace of youth using daggers in public places, economic offences, crimes against women and children and caste-related crimes should be taken up seriously, he said.
In the case of usury, provisions of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Charging Exorbitant Interest Act, 2003, should be invoked and the accused should be brought to book. Strong action should be taken against crimes targeting the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, Mr. Palaniswami said.
Under watchlist
Surprise inspection should be undertaken of godowns containing explosives and the menace of illicit liquor should be looked into at the earliest, he said.
As for the response to accidents on the premises of temples, the Chief Minister said the district administration, the police, the Fire and Rescue Services, the Public Works Department and the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department should work in tandem.
Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam, the Council of Ministers, Chief Secretary Girija Vaidyanathan, Director-General of Police T.K. Rajendran and senior officials were present.
The conference of District Collectors and senior police officers is being held after four years.
