Post murder: firms beef up security

Police booth and a bus bay outside SIPCOT are among the steps planned

February 25, 2014 02:24 am | Updated November 16, 2021 06:32 pm IST - CHENNAI

Companies across the IT corridor on Monday strengthened security arrangements at their campuses after the body of a TCS woman employee was found at SIPCOT on Saturday. At a meeting attended by senior police officers and heads of IT parks in the city in Mamallapuram on Monday, issues of lack of security, lighting and cabs were discussed.

Thereafter, Nasscom, a collaboration of IT companies, issued a 12-page advisory to companies stating mandatory security arrangements, especially cab services. A police booth and a bus bay at the entrance which would ensure more lighting and security are among the facilities that are being considered, said sources.

“We are trying to enable all stakeholders and the government to work together for providing a safe working environment,” said K. Purushottaman, region director, NASSCOM.

Meanwhile, employees of IT companies in SIPCOT, Siruseri, in a letter sent to the CM’s cell urged the State government to start a helpline exclusively for women employees and ensure police patrolling in the area, especially after 9 p.m.

On Monday evening, employees who demonstrated against poor security arrangements said they had sent request letters to as many as 12 software companies to arrange cabs for women after 8 p.m.

“Most companies start cab services only after 10 p.m. and the last bus leaves IT park’s campus at 7 p.m. Women who wish to leave between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., have no choice but to take public transport,” said P. Parimala, an IT employee.

“The walk from companies to the gate takes almost 10 minutes and the route is often dark at night. There are many drunk men in the area who often heckle us,” she added. The CB-CID has released three helpline numbers for those who have any information about the incident. Some companies are also looking for night volunteers before security personnel are in place.

“Our internal forums were full of angry posts from employees demanding better security. When you come out of Mahindra World City or SIPCOT, there is hardly any police patrol, which adds to the fear,” said R. Kesavan, an employee of Hexaware in SIPCOT.

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