The image of Chennai being one of the safest cities in the country is slowly fading away with the spate of murders that has taken place this month alone and that too, in broad daylight.
Activists and residents wonder if the goons have lost the fear of the police and stress the need for a revamp of the entire police force immediately.
Starting with the murder of RTI activist J. Parasmal that took place on June 7 till the murder of techie S. Swathi at the Nungambakkam railway station on Friday, the city has witnessed five murders committed in broad daylight.
Ranging from personal problems to revenge, the murders were committed for various reasons.
“It reflects the inability of the police to command respect and fear in criminals. Chain-snatching, burglaries and crime against the elderly are occurring across the city,” said V. Suresh, National General Secretary, People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL). Activists also complain about the growing nexus among some politicians, certain members of the police force and antisocial elements.
“Increasing corruption is also a growing cause of concern. No criminal can exist without the support of politicians.
“Though the police will be rendered helpless in random murders, they do have a major role in preventing those committed by gangs,” said a retired police officer.
According to Mr. Suresh, it is high time the police improved community contact.
“They should win the confidence of local residents and stand by what is correct.
“Only when people feel that the law enforcers are unbiased and uninfluenced by politicians and antisocial elements will they pass information to them,” he added.
Police sources are of the opinion that they should be allowed to operate without “instructions” from politicians.
“When we nab a rowdy, we get orders from senior officers and political leaders to release them. This influence should stop and the department should be allowed to function freely. Besides, more people should be recruited,” said a source.
June 5: Murugan, an advocate, was found hacked to death near his house at Kodambakkam. Later, his wife M. Loheshini and three arrested for suspected involvement in the crime.
June 7: J. Parasmal, a financier and RTI activist, was killed in broad daylight by a gang on Bakers Street in Periamet. Seven arrested in the murder.
June 16 : Akhilan alias Akhilanath (34), a lawyer, was murdered near his house at Puzhal. He was attacked by six armed men on three motorcycles. Ten persons were booked in connection with the case.
June 22: T. Ravi (45), a resident of Vyasarpadi, was murdered near his house by eight men on motorcycles. They were arrested, one more accused is absconding.
June 24: S. Swathi (24), an Infosys employee, was murdered at Nungambakkam railway station. The footage of the suspect has been released.
