Sexual assault case prompts heightened security measures in Kazhakuttam

The recent sexual assault of a woman IT professional in Kazhakuttam has prompted the Thiruvananthapuram City Police to intensify security across the area, which houses thousands of women IT employees in hostels and other accommodations.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order, Traffic) T. Farash said that while special security measures are already in place in Kazhakuttam and surrounding suburbs, additional patrolling and surveillance will be implemented in light of the incident.

The accused, Benjamin, a lorry driver from Madurai, allegedly sexually assaulted the survivor inside her hostel room. During the investigation, police found that the private hostel lacked CCTV cameras within the premises. Although the suspect and his vehicle were traced using footage from nearby establishments, including an ATM counter, the case exposed serious gaps in the region’s safety infrastructure.

“We will inform the departments and agencies concerned to install more lighting and enhance security arrangements around hostels, paying guest (PG) facilities and other accommodations,” Mr. Farash said.

Acknowledging the existing vulnerabilities in the region, the officer added that Kazhakuttam’s vibrant night-life and large floating population present various security challenges.

The incident has sparked concern among the IT workforce, and has led to calls for concrete safety measures.

Prathidhwani, the welfare organisation of IT employees in Kerala, has launched a safety survey for women employees residing in PGs, hostels, and public spaces surrounding Technopark and Kinfra. Conducted by its women’s forum, the initiative aims to identify and address security gaps in the region.

Prathidhwani State convener Rajeev Krishnan said that around 10,000 women IT professionals reside in hostels, PGs and rented apartments in and around Kazhakuttam. Notably, many of them hail from other districts and neighbouring Tamil Nadu.

Challenges

Preliminary assessments have revealed that nearly 30% of hostels lack CCTV coverage and other basic security infrastructure. Residents have also expressed concerns about inadequate street lighting and stray dog menace in certain areas.

“Much more needs to be done to ensure the safety of the workforce. Many have flagged the lack of security measures and poor street lighting in several stretches,” Mr. Krishnan said.

Feedback submitted

So far, nearly 750 women employees have submitted feedback through the ongoing survey. The collected data will be used to map vulnerable locations, document prior incidents and compile a comprehensive memorandum to be submitted to the State government for action.

Prathidhwani also plans to conduct similar safety surveys in Kochi and Kozhikode to highlight similar concerns in other IT hubs across the State.