In the wake of a surge in the number of crimes involving college students, including recent murder at Othakalamandapam, the Coimbatore City and District (Rural) Police on Friday convened a consultative meeting with administrators of colleges in the region to discuss measures to curb crimes among students and improve safety on campuses.
The discussions focused on strengthening campus security, maintaining student discipline and curbing issues such as substance abuse, online gambling, cybercrime and socially deviant behaviour among students. A total of 231 representatives from 128 colleges across the city and district took part.
A key proposal discussed at the meeting was the launch of a campus safety and crime prevention initiative, jointly by the police and heads of institutions. Colleges were instructed to set up dedicated cyber units or social media units to monitor the online activities of their students. Deputy Commissioners of Police and the Superintendent of Police will conduct a meeting with institutions in the first week of every month, during which specific information related to crimes involving students can be shared.
College managements were instructed to ensure that functional CCTV systems with adequate recording backup are installed in all hostels. Institutions were asked to strictly regulate entry and exit gates and maintain registers for latecomers. They were instructed to deploy flying squads to conduct checks on students living in private paying guest accommodations or rented houses to spot early warning signs such as absenteeism or behavioural changes.
The meeting also emphasised early intervention and holistic student support. Colleges were advised to provide psychological counselling services and implement a faculty mentorship system in which teachers guide designated student groups. Colleges were also urged to keep parents regularly updated on the academic performance and conduct of their children.
Coimbatore City Police Commissioner N. Kannan, Inspector General of Police (West Zone) R. V. Ramya Bharathi, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Coimbatore Range) P. Saminathan, Coimbatore District Superintendent of Police A. Pavan Kumar Reddy, the Deputy Commissioners of Police for Coimbatore North and South and Regional Joint Director of Collegiate Education N. Shenbagalakshmi were present at the meeting.
Published – August 14, 2026 11:24 pm IST
