Chennai. As the DMK government completes its fourth year in office, Tamil Nadu’s law and order situation has come under fierce scrutiny from opposition parties, civil society groups, and concerned citizens. Critics argue that the state has seen a disturbing rise in political murders, drug trafficking, and crimes against women and children, despite the government’s claims of improvement.
While Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s administration touts official data showing a decline in murder rates, the reality on the ground—marked by high-profile assassinations, deadly attacks on activists, and a surge in narcotics use—paints a far more troubling picture.
Murders and Political Assassinations Shake Public Confidence
According to government data, Tamil Nadu saw a 6.8% decline in murder cases in 2024 and a 42% drop in revenge killings. However, opposition leaders and activists dispute these figures, citing a pattern of political violence and fear among grassroots leaders.
The brutal killing of K.P.K. Jayakumar Dhanasingh, the Congress East Tirunelveli district president, has become a flashpoint. Jayakumar had filed a police complaint alleging death threats just days before his charred body was discovered on May 4, 2024. His hands and legs were bound with electric wires, and activists have slammed the police for ignoring prior warnings.
On July 5, 2024, BSP’s Tamil Nadu state president Armstrong was hacked to death by a six-member gang outside his under-construction home in Chennai. The murder is believed to be linked to the 2023 killing of Arcot Suresh, but despite multiple angles—caste tensions, land disputes, and business rivalries—the police failed to prevent the attack or offer protection.
July 28, 2024, marked a dark chapter in Tamil Nadu politics when two political leaders were killed within 24 hours:
AIADMK ward secretary Padmanabhan was murdered in Cuddalore.
BJP Sivaganga unit secretary Selvakumar was hacked to death in public.
These back-to-back killings have sent shockwaves through the political landscape.
Activists and Officials Under Threat
Violence has not spared government officials or social reformers.
In April 2023, VAO Lourdusamy was hacked to death in his office after filing complaints against illegal sand mining.
On May 4, 2024, social activist Bertin Rayan was attacked with weapons for exposing illegal stone quarries in Tirunelveli.
In January 2025, AIADMK leader and activist Jagabar Ali, who warned of protests against mineral theft, died in a suspicious lorry collision. Many believe it was an orchestrated murder.
Drug Trafficking Surges, Youth at Risk
One of the most pressing crises under DMK rule has been the sharp rise in drug trafficking and substance abuse. Official data from the Enforcement Bureau CID reveals:
Prescription drug seizures jumped from 39,910 pills in 2023 to 1.42 lakh in 2024.
24,215 pills were seized in just January–February 2025.
Deaths linked to illicit liquor, particularly in Kallakurichi, have sparked Assembly-level debates.
Law enforcement officials admit that drug cartels are infiltrating student communities, fueling addiction and criminal behavior.
Crimes Against Women and Children Climb Sharply
Since the DMK came to power in 2021, crimes against women and children have surged:
Crimes against women rose 33.5% from 2020 to 2024.
Sexual assault cases rose by 16% in a single year (2023–24).
POCSO cases involving minors increased by 52% in the same period.
Domestic violence complaints climbed by 21.2%, according to police briefs.
In 2020, 3,090 POCSO cases were registered. That number swelled to 4,469 in 2021, reflecting rising concerns over child safety.
Activists point to the interplay between drug abuse and violence, suggesting that substance culture fuels not only crime but systemic insecurity for women and children.
Broken Promises and a Vanishing “Iron Fist”
In the 2021 election manifesto, CM Stalin promised to usher in a “new dawn”, creating a crime-free state that ensures safety for women, children, and the elderly. In 2022, he warned that anti-social elements would be dealt with an “iron fist.”
Yet, the string of murders, attacks, and systemic failures that followed have led to mounting public disillusionment. Critics now ask: Where is the iron fist? And more importantly, who is being protected?
As Tamil Nadu prepares for upcoming elections, the state’s law and order performance is likely to remain a key issue, with opposition leaders expected to sharpen their criticism and demand accountability.
Author Profile
- My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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