Women safety: Tamil Nadu launches Singappen special police force under CM C Joseph Vijay

Tamil Nadu has launched the Singappen special police force to strengthen women safety, operating under Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay. The first phase includes 70 units with 140 sub-inspectors and 420 constables statewide. The force is led by IGP K Bhavaneeswari, with staffing and INR 2.15 crore sanctioned for headquarters support.

The Tamil Nadu government said the Singappen special police force for women’s safety will operate under the direct supervision of Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay. An official release on Tuesday said the first phase is starting across the state. It includes 70 special force units with 140 Sub-Inspectors and 420 constables.

The force is headed by Inspector General of Police K Bhavaneeswari, the release said. The government is also setting up support staff at headquarters. This team will help monitor 270 field units planned across Tamil Nadu. The sanctioned amount for the headquarters set-up is Rs 2.15 crore.

Singappen special force posts and recruitment

At the launch event, Additional Chief Secretary, Home, K Manivasan said papers for the Singappen special unit were among three steps cleared soon after May 10, 2026. The release said the Chief Minister approved 2,545 new posts for the unit. It added that new constables will be recruited and given special training.

The release listed the new posts as 49 Inspectors and 641 Sub-Inspectors. It also included 1,843 Constables and seven staff under ministerial services. Technology roles were also included. These were two Inspectors--Technology and three SIs Technology, according to the release.

Singappen special force units and headquarters staffing

To support state-level monitoring, the headquarters will have a superintendent, two deputy SPs, and four inspectors. The staffing also includes eight SIs and 20 police constables. The release said these personnel are being appointed to assist K Bhavaneeswari. The headquarters will track progress of the 270 field units.

The initial roll-out will be through 70 special force units across Tamil Nadu, the release said. These units are starting with 140 SIs and 420 constables. The government said the Singappen special force is meant to strengthen women’s safety. It repeated that the unit will function under the Chief Minister’s direct supervision.

Singappen special force vehicles, equipment and budget

The government said 319 four-wheelers and 101 two-wheelers will be procured for the Singappen unit. It also planned equipment to improve operational efficiency. This includes body-worn cameras with live streaming and drones. The release said other infrastructure and communication devices will also be provided.

The Chief Minister announced Rs 354 crore for the Singappen special force, the release said. Funds will support staffing, vehicles, and technology for field work. The state has also set aside Rs 2.15 crore for the headquarters personnel and structure. The government said these steps will support the force’s planned statewide reach.

With inputs from PTI