SRM College Police Raid: Massive Chennai Operation Uncovers Ganja, Hookah Items, and Notorious Rowdy
1,000 Police Officers Conduct Massive Raid Near SRM College
SRM College Police Raid: In a major crackdown on drug activities near SRM College in Kattankulathur, Chennai, a team of 1,000 police personnel conducted a large-scale raid on Saturday, August 31, 2024. The operation, led by Tambaram City Police Commissioner Abhin Dinesh Modak, was aimed at tackling the increasing drug menace in the area. The raid, conducted across 500 residences near the university, led to the seizure of various contraband substances and the arrest of several suspects, including a notorious rowdy and 19 students.
Swift Action Based on a Tip-Off
The surprise raid was initiated after the Tambaram City Police received a specific tip-off regarding drug possession among students of SRM College. The intelligence suggested that a significant number of students residing in Abode Valley, a residential area in Potheri, were involved in illegal drug activities. Acting on this information, Commissioner Modak instructed his team to organize a comprehensive search operation.
Coordinated Effort Involving Multiple Police Wings
The raid was meticulously planned and executed, involving multiple police wings, including the Tambaram, Pallikaranai, and traffic departments. Additional Commissioner of Police, C. Magheswari, supervised the operation, ensuring all 500 residences were thoroughly searched. The operation was also supported by the armed reserve wing’s women police officers, given that many female students reside in the targeted houses.
Significant Seizures and Arrests
The extensive search yielded substantial quantities of contraband. The police seized:
- 500 grams of ganja
- Six ganja chocolates
- 20 ml of ganja oil
- Five bhang packets
- One smoking pot
- Seven hookah machines
- Six kilograms of shisha (hookah powder)
In addition to these items, the police also detained 19 students from SRM College for questioning regarding their involvement in the drug activities. The students are currently under investigation to determine their level of participation in the illegal trade.
Capture of Notorious Rowdy G Selvamani
One of the most significant arrests of the day was that of G Selvamani, a 29-year-old notorious rowdy from Guduvancherry. Selvamani, an A-Plus category rowdy, was hiding in one of the residences in Abode Valley when the raid took place. He attempted to flee upon spotting the police, but was quickly apprehended by the officers. Upon searching his hideout, the police discovered 2.25 kilograms of ganja and four knives, adding to the long list of criminal activities associated with Selvamani.
A Long Criminal History
Selvamani is no stranger to the law. The Guduvancherry police have already opened a history sheet on him, noting his involvement in at least 13 criminal cases, including two murders. His arrest during the raid is considered a significant success by the police, as it helps dismantle a major criminal network operating in the area.
Community Concerns and Police Assurance
The raid near SRM College has sparked a wave of concern among parents, students, and university authorities. The presence of a criminal network and drug activities in the vicinity of the university has raised questions about student safety and the need for more stringent security measures.
The Tambaram City Police have reassured the public that they are committed to maintaining law and order and will continue to take strong action against those involved in illegal activities. Commissioner Modak emphasized the importance of community cooperation in the fight against crime and urged students and residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
Moving Forward: Stricter Security Measures
In light of the recent raid, there have been calls for stricter security measures around SRM College and other educational institutions in Chennai. The local authorities are considering enhancing surveillance and increasing police patrolling in student residential areas to prevent such activities in the future.
The SRM College police raid serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by educational institutions in urban areas and the need for constant vigilance to protect young minds from criminal influences. The Tambaram City Police’s proactive approach in conducting such a large-scale raid has been widely appreciated, and the community hopes for continued efforts to keep their neighborhoods safe and secure.
