Chennai man who confronted drug dealers dies after assault; AIADMK slams Vijay
A 23-year-old man in Chennai was allegedly killed after questioning drug sales in his area. The death prompted a political attack from AIADMK over narcotics and law and order.
A 23-year-old man was allegedly beaten to death in Chennai after he questioned the sale of drugs in his neighbourhood, prompting sharp criticism from the opposition AIADMK, which accused the Tamil Nadu government of failing to curb narcotics and maintain law and order.
The victim, identified as Vishnu, was attacked in the Tondiarpet area on Monday, according to reports. He had allegedly confronted a group involved in the sale of marijuana in the locality.
A gang allegedly surrounded Vishnu and assaulted him with beer bottles, a hammer and other heavy objects. He was rushed to a hospital for treatment but later succumbed to his injuries.
Police have launched an investigation into the incident.
The killing triggered a political row, with AIADMK General Secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami targeting Chief Minister Vijay over his government’s handling of crime and drug-related issues.
“Is murder the response in this government if someone dares to question the spread of narcotics? Is this what they call change?” Palaniswami said in an X post.
Referring to Vijay’s recent remarks, he added: “In this situation, the present Chief Minister, while speaking in Tiruchirappalli yesterday, expressed frustration that baseless allegations are being made against him.”
Palaniswami also questioned the government's reliance on administrative measures to tackle the issue.
“He claims that he has appointed officials. But is appointing officials alone enough? Aren’t these the same officials who have served under every government? The change must come from those who govern,” he said.
“It is disgraceful that the person who controls the police department is trying to evade responsibility for law and order. In the process, he has also indirectly admitted that he is unable to eliminate the drug menace,” Palaniswami alleged.
“Should people continue to suffer and die while you complete a six-month crash course on ‘how to govern’? And should nobody be allowed to question that?” he asked.
The ruling TVK is yet to respond to the allegations. The incident has renewed opposition criticism of the government's efforts to combat narcotics and violent crime in the state.
A 23-year-old man was allegedly beaten to death in Chennai after he questioned the sale of drugs in his neighbourhood, prompting sharp criticism from the opposition AIADMK, which accused the Tamil Nadu government of failing to curb narcotics and maintain law and order.
The victim, identified as Vishnu, was attacked in the Tondiarpet area on Monday, according to reports. He had allegedly confronted a group involved in the sale of marijuana in the locality.
A gang allegedly surrounded Vishnu and assaulted him with beer bottles, a hammer and other heavy objects. He was rushed to a hospital for treatment but later succumbed to his injuries.
Police have launched an investigation into the incident.
The killing triggered a political row, with AIADMK General Secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami targeting Chief Minister Vijay over his government’s handling of crime and drug-related issues.
“Is murder the response in this government if someone dares to question the spread of narcotics? Is this what they call change?” Palaniswami said in an X post.
Referring to Vijay’s recent remarks, he added: “In this situation, the present Chief Minister, while speaking in Tiruchirappalli yesterday, expressed frustration that baseless allegations are being made against him.”
Palaniswami also questioned the government's reliance on administrative measures to tackle the issue.
“He claims that he has appointed officials. But is appointing officials alone enough? Aren’t these the same officials who have served under every government? The change must come from those who govern,” he said.
“It is disgraceful that the person who controls the police department is trying to evade responsibility for law and order. In the process, he has also indirectly admitted that he is unable to eliminate the drug menace,” Palaniswami alleged.
“Should people continue to suffer and die while you complete a six-month crash course on ‘how to govern’? And should nobody be allowed to question that?” he asked.
The ruling TVK is yet to respond to the allegations. The incident has renewed opposition criticism of the government's efforts to combat narcotics and violent crime in the state.
