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COIMBATORE: As part of their anti-drug abuse measures, Coimbatore district police have identified 63 locations where college students gather at night. A preliminary assessment has indicated the presence of ganja use in the vicinity of 10 colleges.
“These locations are being monitored to prevent students from getting involved in activities such as drug consumption and other offences,” said a senior police officer. The data collected on students, including those who have dropped out and those with previous cases, would be used for preventive policing and targeted monitoring, officials said. These locations include bakeries, vacant plots and other places around educational institutions. Police have instructed college hostel authorities to ensure that students do not venture out of the hostels at night without valid reasons or permission. The move is aimed at improving student safety and preventing their possible involvement in unlawful activities during late-night hours. The exercise is part of a wider effort to map student-related vulnerabilities around educational institutions. The district police have begun compiling detailed data on college students, including those staying in hostels and those living in rented accommodation outside campuses, as part of measures to prevent drug use and other unlawful activities among youngsters. As part of the exercise, police have started collecting lists of students who have discontinued their studies. Police are focusing on these areas and are expected to intensify surveillance and preventive measures. Police would coordinate with college administrations and hostel wardens to keep track of students staying on and off campus.
Details are also being gathered on students who have previously faced criminal cases, besides information on students residing within and outside college campuses.