Coimbatore: In a significant week-long operation concluding on August 31, 2026, the Coimbatore city police have intensified their efforts to maintain law and order, leading to preventive actions against 44 individuals with criminal records and the imposition of substantial fines on numerous drunk drivers. The operation, which ran from August 24 to August 31, utilized facial recognition software (FRS) to identify suspects during late-night checks across the city.
Preventive Action Against Criminals
The intensive operation saw the screening of 8,761 individuals, with 129 people identified as having previous criminal cases, including charges of simple hurt and accidents. Of these, 44 individuals described as notorious rowdies and facing criminal cases were targeted for preventive action. FIRs were filed against these 44 suspects, and their fingerprints were collected for background checks. Police stated that legal action would follow if any pending cases or warrants were uncovered, and alerts would be issued to outer-district police if wanted fugitives were located within the city.
Drastic Fines for Drunk Driving
Parallel to the crackdown on criminals, the police registered a staggering 1,146 drunk driving cases during the seven-day operation. Each offender was fined Rs 10,000, resulting in a total collection of Rs 1.14 crore. According to a senior police officer, the FRS app, provided to police on night rounds and vehicle checks, aids in conducting background checks on individuals out during late hours. This technology has proven instrumental in identifying those with prior offenses and ensuring accountability.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that this comprehensive operation was conducted to curb criminal activities during late-night hours and to maintain overall public safety and law and order in Coimbatore. The city police have confirmed that surprise checks will continue to be a regular feature to ensure public safety and address violations.
Broader Context of Law Enforcement in Coimbatore
The recent crackdown is part of a sustained effort by the Coimbatore police to combat various forms of crime. Earlier in August, a two-day special drive resulted in the arrest of 28 absconding individuals, the detention of 139 rowdies, and the impounding of 336 vehicles involved in traffic violations. During that operation, police also utilized technology for suspect identification, cross-referencing facial recognition data and recording fingerprints. Peace bonds were also obtained from 410 habitual offenders.
The city has also seen focused drives against other illegal activities. In early July, a three-day anti-narcotics enforcement drive across the district led to the registration of 44 criminal cases, the arrest of 52 accused, and the seizure of significant quantities of ganja and banned tobacco products, with contraband valued at approximately ₹21 lakh confiscated. This drive underscored the commitment to a drug-free and crime-free society in Coimbatore.
Furthermore, the Coimbatore District Police have been actively involved in public awareness campaigns. In August 2026, a marathon was organized with the theme “Run for a Cause, Run for a Drug-Free Coimbatore,” attracting thousands of participants to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness against drug abuse. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of creating a “Drug-Free Coimbatore.”
The enforcement of traffic laws has also been a consistent focus. In late July 2026, a two-day special drive registered 522 cases under the Motor Vehicles Act, targeting violations such as air horns, unauthorized lights, and vehicle modifications. These actions reflect a multi-pronged approach by the Coimbatore police to address crime and ensure road safety, demonstrating a commitment to improving the quality of life for its residents.
The Chenab Times News Desk