‘Operation OnaThumbi’ to target thieves, harassers amid Thiruvananthapuram’s Onam rush

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the Onam rush increasing in the capital city, the police have put in place a special security arrangement to prevent incidents such as theft and harassment of women. The operation has been named Operation OnaThumbi.

A shadow team comprising around 50 personnel, including both men and women, has been deployed as part of the operation. Shadow police surveillance will be strengthened at major commercial centres, markets, bus stands and Onam celebration venues. The team has been tasked with identifying those involved in theft and offences against women amid the crowds.

Health Minister K. Muraleedharan has urged everyone to remain vigilant to ensure that the Onam celebrations are conducted peacefully and without drugs. The minister also directed people to immediately inform the police or Excise officials if they notice the use or sale of narcotic substances. He was speaking at a district-level committee meeting convened to coordinate anti-drug activities.

The increasing use of deadly narcotic substances in society is a matter of concern, Muraleedharan said. He said the growing influence of drugs among children and young people was also causing several problems within families. The government is taking strong measures to curb the activities of drug mafias and bring those involved before the law, he said. The minister also said Student Police Cadets could play a more active role in awareness programmes against drug abuse.
Government agencies alone cannot control the activities of drug mafias, Muraleedharan said, stressing that the support and cooperation of young people and the general public are essential. He said various activities carried out earlier with the participation of public representatives and councillors had helped reduce drug use to an extent. The cooperation of everyone is necessary to ensure that Onam is celebrated safely and peacefully, the minister added.