Tamil Nadu police step-up surveillance on habitual offenders

The Tamil Nadu police have arrested 443 accused persons involved in various crimes, including drug offences and violent crimes, across the State and enhanced vigil on habitual offenders. 

In a two-day operation against rowdyism and organised crime, which was launched on Monday, the police conducted intensive checks at places frequented by persons with criminal antecedents. Police personnel checked the activities of more than 15,000 anti-social elements and thousands of vehicles as part of the operation, which resulted in the arrest of 443 suspects who were produced in local courts and remanded in judicial custody.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Director-General of Police and Head of the Police Force, Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal, said the two-day operation was planned decisively to curb criminal activities, disrupt drug distribution networks, and reinforce absolute public order.

Police teams across Tamil Nadu systematically tracked and checked 8,626 listed rowdies. As many as 796 habitual offenders were placed under strict preventive surveillance. During the drive, 1,624 drug offenders were tracked and checked. 77 individuals actively involved in illicit drug sale were taken into custody.

To prevent retaliatory crimes and maintain public peace, Dr Aggarwal said the police stepped up surveillance on 2,924 accused individuals previously involved in murder and assault cases, including those recently released from prison. “This proactive supervision led to the registration of 163 fresh cases and the arrest of 167 violent offenders,” the DGP said.

Drone patrolling

He said drone patrolling was conducted to ensure the safety of residential neighbourhoods and commercial areas. The state police used drones effectively and clamped down on open-air public nuisance. The police also tracked and checked the activities of 1,057 criminals belonging to deep-rooted criminal syndicates.

Resolving long-standing judicial bottlenecks, law-enforcement teams successfully tracked down and executed 73 Non-Bailable Warrants (NBWs) against fleeing or non-compliant offenders during the two-day operation. 

“The Tamil Nadu Police reiterates its uncompromising commitment to maintaining absolute Law and Order, ensuring community tranquillity, and protecting the citizens of the State. Strict, proactive surprise operations of this scale will continue to be deployed against any elements attempting to disrupt public peace,” Dr Aggarwal said.

Published - November 11, 2026 12:27 am IST