Chief Minister Joseph Vijay of Tamil Nadu inaugurated a new all-women police force, named ‘Singappen’, on June 9, 2026. This initiative aims to improve the safety of women and children in public areas across the state. The unique force will operate under the direct supervision of the Chief Minister, with an emphasis on preventive policing.

During the launch in Chennai, Vijay highlighted that the name ‘Singappen’ translates to “a woman as brave as a lioness.” He articulated the intention of the unit to focus on preventing crimes prior to their occurrence, specifically targeting offences such as stalking, sexual harassment, attempted abductions, public obscenity, and other forms of violence against women.

Vijay stated that the success of any government is measured not just by infrastructure and economic development but also by the dignity and respect afforded to women and children. He reiterated that ensuring their safety is a commitment rather than merely an electoral promise.

Focus and Objectives of the New Initiative

The newly established police unit aims to address offences against women while ensuring strict punishment for perpetrators. Vijay warned that there would be zero tolerance for crimes against women, stating that those who harass women would face stringent legal actions and swift filing of charge sheets. He assured the public that the initiative is designed for effective responsiveness to incidents involving women’s safety.

The Chief Minister linked issues of women’s safety to narcotics, suggesting that a root cause of such crimes lies in drug abuse, which has persisted over years due to negligence by previous administrations. He noted that crimes against women, drug proliferation, and law enforcement challenges are interconnected, indicating a need for comprehensive solutions.

Women’s safety was a critical component of Vijay’s political campaign, and he emphasised that improvements in this area were vital to his administration’s agenda. The formation of the special unit is seen as a direct response to women’s safety concerns raised during his tenure and a measure to hold previous administrations accountable for their track records. The unit will be led by Inspector General of Police K Bhavaneeswari.

Resource Allocation and Deployment Strategy

To implement this initiative, the Tamil Nadu government has allocated more than Rs 354 crore. This funding will provide for the creation of 2,545 new positions within the police force, including ranks such as inspectors, sub-inspectors, and constables. Personnel selected for this unit will undergo specialised training to enhance their capabilities in handling situations involving women’s safety.

Initially, the force will commence operations with 70 units throughout Tamil Nadu, staffed by 140 sub-inspectors and 420 constables. Each patrol vehicle will feature an all-women team consisting of one sub-inspector, two head constables, and a driver. This approach is designed to create a more approachable and supportive policing environment for women.

The Singappen personnel will wear distinctive uniforms comprised of khaki trousers and blue shirts. The launch event included the unveiling of the unit’s emblem, which depicts a lioness alongside a policewoman, symbolising the strength and bravery of women in law enforcement. Additionally, patrol vehicles were flagged off, with the Chief Minister himself driving one of the vehicles briefly.

In a notable first for the country, drone-based patrolling systems will be introduced as part of the force’s operations, aimed at enhancing crime prevention efforts. The unit will be equipped with body-worn cameras featuring live streaming, advanced communication systems, and various modern surveillance technologies. Vijay, however, cautioned officials to ensure that innocent individuals are not wrongfully implicated as the force moves forward with swift actions against offenders.

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