SRM College Police Raid: Tambaram City Police Crack Down on Drug Operations in Student Apartments
Tambaram City Police Conduct Major Raid Near SRM University
SRM College Police Raid: On Saturday, August 31, 2024, the Tambaram City Police launched a significant crackdown on drug activities in the vicinity of SRM University. Acting on a tip-off about drug use among students, police raided apartments near the university and seized a substantial amount of illegal substances, including ganja and other narcotics. The operation, conducted under the directive of Tambaram City Police Commissioner Abin Dinesh Modak, aimed to dismantle the drug network thriving among college students.
A Coordinated Effort: 1,000 Police Officers Involved
The operation took place at the Abode Valley apartments in Potheri, a residential complex housing around 3,000 students in 688 flats across 22 towers. In a highly coordinated effort, 1,000 police officers formed into 168 teams conducted the search in the early hours of the morning. The operation was supervised by Additional Commissioner of Police, C. Mageswari, and was executed with precision, ensuring that no corner of the complex was left unchecked.
Seizure of Drugs and Arrests
During the raid, police officers seized ganja from 15 students, along with ganja chocolates, bhang, hookah tobacco, and a large cache of liquor bottles. The raid led to the registration of 20 cases and the arrest of 21 individuals, including students and other suspects involved in the drug trade. In addition, the police discovered 60 abandoned two-wheelers and one four-wheeler, some of which are suspected to have been stolen. The investigation into these vehicles is currently underway.
The Dark Underbelly: Organized Crime and Drug Trade
According to Police Commissioner Modak, the operation was necessary to disrupt a well-organized criminal ecosystem that had taken root around the student community. “Local criminals and dropout students have created a thriving criminal network, indulging in selling drugs, running extortion rackets, and trading in protection money. They have even hired criminals to assault innocent students,” said Mr. Modak. This network has been exploiting the high concentration of students from across the country attending the numerous educational institutions within the Tambaram City jurisdiction.
High-Profile Arrests and Recovery of Weapons
Among those arrested during the raid was Selvamani, a notorious A+ category rowdy from Guduvanchery, who had established his influence around the apartment complex. Police recovered five weapons, including swords and knives, believed to be used for threatening students. In addition to Selvamani, the police apprehended a dhaba owner from Uttar Pradesh who was involved in procuring and selling ganja chocolates to the students.
Digital Evidence and Ongoing Investigations
The police also seized digital evidence during the raid, which they believe will help identify other criminals involved in the drug trade and extortion activities. “We have secured digital data that will assist us in identifying and apprehending those who are supplying drugs and influencing innocent students to participate in criminal activities,” Mr. Modak added. The ongoing investigation aims to dismantle the criminal network and prevent further exploitation of students.
The Broader Impact: Student Safety and Community Response
The raid has sparked a significant response from the local community and student body. Parents and university authorities have expressed concern over the safety of students and the influence of criminal elements in the area. Many are calling for stricter surveillance and security measures around university campuses to prevent such activities in the future.
The Tambaram City Police have assured the public that they will continue to take strict action against those involved in criminal activities and work to maintain law and order in the area. This raid serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by student communities in urban areas and the need for constant vigilance to protect young minds from falling prey to criminal networks.
