Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai

Chennai, Apr 13: With the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections set for April 23, authorities have stepped up security measures across all 234 constituencies to ensure peaceful and incident-free polling.

The Election Commission, in coordination with the Tamil Nadu Police, has launched extensive preventive actions targeting law-and-order risks ahead of voting day. As part of this drive, nearly 20,000 history-sheeters and habitual offenders—commonly referred to as “rowdies”—have been identified and placed under close surveillance.

Police officials said these individuals have been classified into four categories—A+, A, B, and C—based on the severity of their past criminal records and potential threat levels.

In Chennai alone, around 4,000 such individuals are under watch, with many currently absconding. Authorities suspect some may attempt to return to their localities during the election period to influence voters or disrupt the polling process.

To prevent such incidents, special police teams have launched coordinated intelligence operations and search drives across the state’s 38 districts. So far, around 100 individuals have been traced and detained as part of the crackdown.

Alongside enforcement measures, the police have also indicated a reform-oriented approach. Officials said those willing to reform may be considered for rehabilitation opportunities, including issuance of good conduct certificates under specific conditions.

Preventive legal action is also being taken under Sections 107, 109, and 110 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, allowing authorities to require suspected troublemakers to execute bonds ensuring good behaviour during the election period.

A senior police officer noted that Tamil Nadu has historically recorded largely peaceful elections and said efforts are being made to preserve that track record through preventive policing, vigilance, and rapid response mechanisms.

With multi-layered security arrangements in place, officials expressed confidence that the upcoming polls will be conducted smoothly, with a focus on voter safety and maintaining the integrity of the democratic process.