Chennai: Chief Minister Vijay told the Tamil Nadu Assembly that the state’s law and order situation has not deteriorated, and cautioned against arriving at broad conclusions based on isolated criminal incidents. He was responding to opposition allegations while replying to the debate on police grant demands.
The Chief Minister said the government is prioritising an environment where police personnel can act honestly and fearlessly without intimidation or disruption. He also stressed that there should be no unnecessary interference in lawful police action, regardless of whether it involves the Chief Minister, ministers or officials.
Vijay said action would be taken against offenders irrespective of who they are or which party they belong to, reiterating that everyone is equal before the law. He argued that a single crime cannot be used to claim the entire state’s law and order has collapsed, and noted that crimes often have varied backgrounds such as family disputes, property conflicts, prior enmity, revenge motives or the influence of narcotics.
Referring to the police superintendents’ conference held on July 30, he said policing should not end with arrests, but should identify and change the conditions that lead to crime and prevent offences before they occur. He added that cybercrime has emerged as a major challenge in the digital era, and called for basic digital safety education for all age groups and a strong cyber security framework involving police, banks, telecom firms, educational institutions and the public.
He said 35 people had been arrested in connection with student murders reported in Coimbatore and Chennai, and maintained that the law is acting without compromise. He also said blaming the entire student community using a single label such as “drug culture” is not responsible leadership, and assured that steps would be taken to guide students on the right path with psychological sensitivity and accountability.
