Enhanced security measures for Pongal festival in Thoothukudi, says SP

Thoothukudi SP Albert John deploys 1,500 police for Pongal security, focusing on traffic, locked houses, and coastal areas.

Thoothukudi Superintendent of Police Albert John announced that a total of 1,500 police personnel are deployed for security duties across the district ahead of Pongal celebration.

In a press conference held on Monday, the SP said, “In light of Pongal and kanum Pongal celebrations, stringent police security measures have been implemented across the district.”

He added that the department is focusing on locked houses, ensuring the safety of women and children travelling to crowded places and managing the traffic congestion due to continuous holidays for a week.

“As holidays have been declared from last Friday until upcoming Sunday, it is expected to increase the movement of people. Accordingly, traffic police have been assigned duties and three traffic policing units will be on continuous duty,” he said.

Mr. John said that the people leaving their homes for Pongal celebration can inform their respective police station for monitoring. He added, “Currently the number of locked houses under surveillance has increased four times compared to previous years. We are monitoring around 150 to 200 houses daily and if anyone else informs us, the safety of their houses will also be ensured.”

He noted that the teams of State Disaster and Response Force and trained police personnel have been deployed along the coastal areas. In Tiruchendur, around 500 police personnel under the leadership of Additional Deputy Superintendent of Police are deployed for security during the full moon and Pongal celebration.

“Women police personnel will be deployed and round-the-clock patrols conducted. Strict action will be taken against unauthorised fishing boats taking tourists into the sea,” he said.