Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai
Chennai, Oct 19: DMK president M K Stalin on Monday accused Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay of neglecting law and order, alleging that a series of murders and drug trafficking activities reflected serious lapses in the state's policing system.
Expressing concern over the situation, the former chief minister accused the government of “absolute negligence” and claimed that Tamil Nadu was increasingly becoming a hub for synthetic drug manufacturing while the police department remained ineffective.
Stalin cited several recent violent incidents, including the murder of a man in Dindigul district who was allegedly killed in front of his wife shortly after signing his bail register. He also referred to the broad daylight murder of a history-sheeter, Madan, in Sivaganga. Madan, who was out on bail in a murder case, was reportedly chased and hacked to death.
“I had previously questioned whether criminals out on bail are being monitored at all. The Sivaganga murder proves that the police are doing absolutely nothing constructive. This is a murder caused entirely by police apathy,” Stalin said in a statement.
He also referred to the case of a nurse who was allegedly abducted, sexually assaulted and murdered near Perundurai. Her body was reportedly recovered five days later.
The DMK leader further targeted the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), alleging that some of its functionaries were involved in drug trafficking and believed their political connections would protect them from legal action.
Referring to the recent arrest of a TVK union secretary in Vedaranyam for alleged ganja smuggling, Stalin said another party functionary, known as ‘Meth’ Boopalan, had also been arrested in the same district. He alleged that Boopalan was attempting to turn Tamil Nadu into a major methamphetamine manufacturing hub.
“Are party cadres learning this by watching the Chief Minister’s movies? Is the state police incapable of nabbing them, or did they deliberately turn a blind eye for so long because the accused belonged to the ruling party?” Stalin asked, demanding accountability.
Stalin said effective action against drug trafficking required Vijay to take action against members of his own party and ensure that the police force functioned efficiently.
He also accused Vijay of holding the Home portfolio in name only, questioning whether the chief minister had delegated responsibility for the police department to other ministers.
“Has the Chief Minister outsourced the police department just as he distributed his other portfolios to fellow ministers?” Stalin asked.
Concluding his statement, Stalin criticised Vijay over his recent anti-drug awareness campaign, which urged young people to stay away from drugs and take up sports.
“CM sir, your negligence is costing lives. You told the youth to ‘Quit Drugs, Choose Sports’. Now, it is time for you to leave your rest, take control of your department, and act,” Stalin said.
During the campaign event, Vijay wrote the slogan “Sports-ah Edu, Drugs-ah Vidu” (Take up sports, quit drugs) on an awareness board.