Chennai, June 9 (IANS) In a major effort to strengthen security and curb criminal activities at one of the city’s busiest transport hubs, the Chennai City Police have intensified surveillance measures at the Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT) in Koyambedu by deploying drones and conducting round-the-clock CCTV monitoring as part of a special anti-crime and anti-drug operation.

The initiative, launched under the directions of Chennai Commissioner of Police A. Amalraj, aims to deter offences such as theft, robbery, drug trafficking and other unlawful activities that frequently target crowded public spaces.

Police officials said special teams carried out extensive inspections across the sprawling bus terminus and surrounding areas during night hours, focusing on locations that are often vulnerable to criminal activity.

Officers questioned and searched individuals found loitering under suspicious circumstances as part of preventive policing measures designed to enhance passenger safety.

A key feature of the operation was the use of drone technology. Police personnel trained in drone surveillance monitored passenger movement and activities across the bus stand and adjoining areas from the air, enabling officers to identify suspicious behaviour and respond quickly to potential threats.

Simultaneously, dedicated teams closely monitored footage from the extensive network of CCTV cameras installed at the terminus.

Investigators reviewed recordings from multiple locations to identify persons behaving suspiciously, gather intelligence and track movements within the complex.

According to police sources, at least 15 individuals were detained for questioning during a single day of the operation in Koyambedu. After verification and inquiry, they were released after providing written undertakings to maintain lawful conduct.

Officials said the surveillance-driven operation is part of a broader strategy to ensure the safety of commuters and prevent criminal elements from exploiting crowded transport facilities.

CMBT, one of the largest bus terminals in South India, serves as a crucial transportation hub connecting Chennai with districts across Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states. The terminus handles more than one lakh passengers on an average day, while footfall surges to between three and four lakh passengers during weekends, holidays and festival seasons.

Police authorities indicated that similar technology-driven surveillance operations would continue in the coming weeks, with a focus on maintaining public order, preventing crime and ensuring a secure travel environment for the thousands of passengers who pass through the facility every day.

–IANS

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