Erakudi Police Outpost Building in ruins has become a safe haven for criminals

The Erakudi police post was parked on a private school bus. |Picture source: Special arrangement

Inside the outpost of the Erakudi police.
|Picture source: Special arrangement

Despite the multiple petitions of residents, the Erakudi police post in the Tiruchi area has remained invalid for more than a decade, with no police personnel deployed, and the purpose of the building is left.

The outpost was built on an acre of land 20 years ago and was initially upgraded to a full-fledged police station with Jambunathapuram Orpost in 2012. Despite the latter upgrade, Erakudi is still an outpost without regular features.

Currently, these houses have been largely abandoned. Buses at private schools were parked at the scene, and residents claimed the building was often used by antisocial elements after dusk.

“The building has become a shelter for illegal activities,” said B. Muthukumar of the Erakudi department of CPI(M). Noting that demand for Erakudi and neighboring villages is growing, he said, “Rampant use of substances and vehicle movements are increasing, but there is no consistent police presence. The facility never operates as expected despite the space and infrastructure.”

Erakudi falls under the jurisdiction of the Uppiyapuram Police Department, which oversees a vast area that includes the border villages of three areas – Puliyancholai near Namakkal near Salem, Thalugai near Salem, and part of Pachamalai Hills near Perambalur. In some cases, the distance from Uppiliyapuram to these locations is more than 30-40 km.

Mr Muthukukumar said: “If something happened to Puliyancholai, the police had to travel 27 km from Uppiliyapuram. From Erakudi, it was only 10 km away from Erakudi. That’s why this location was proposed to respond to remote villages faster.”

Police sources at Thuraiyur and Uppiliyapuram said shortages of staff and lack of sanctions were key obstacles. “We recommend upgrading Erakudi to the police station considering its strategic location. The earlier proposal was rejected due to the low population, but the wide area and regional borders close to make the case stronger.”

A senior official with Police Commissioner Tiruchi said the issue is under review. “We used the building briefly last year. We recognize the geographical challenges and the need to improve coverage. The staffing status is being investigated.”