"People Won't Put Up With Everything": Kanimozhi Slams CM Vijay Over Diwali Murders
DMK's Kanimozhi and PMK's Ramadoss attack CM Vijay after reports of 11 murders, including a police officer, during Diwali celebrations.
The festive spirit of Diwali in Tamil Nadu has been overshadowed by a wave of violence, sparking a fierce political storm. DMK Deputy General Secretary Kanimozhi has launched a scathing attack on the state government led by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, accusing the administration of apathy following reports of multiple murders across the state during the festival of lights.
A "Shocking" Toll of Violence
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Kanimozhi expressed her shock over reports that 11 people were murdered in Tamil Nadu in a single day. She highlighted the stark contrast between the celebrations of Diwali and the grief of families who lost their loved ones.
The victims included a diverse range of citizens across several districts:
- A Special Police Sub-Inspector in Theni.
- A young woman in Tiruvallur.
- Two children in Samayapuram.
- An IT employee in Tiruchirappalli.
Kanimozhi did not hold back in her criticism of the Chief Minister, suggesting that CM Vijay is blinded by the "arrogance of a victory won through on-screen charm." She warned the leader that the public's patience has limits, stating, "Chief Minister, do not assume that people will put up with everything forever!"
PMK Joins the Outcry: The Role of Alcohol
Adding to the pressure, Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) president Anbumani Ramadoss strongly condemned the breakdown of public safety. Ramadoss noted that at least 10 people had lost their lives in various incidents from Chennai to Theni.
The PMK leader pointed specifically to alcohol consumption as the primary trigger for the violence. He reiterated his party's long-standing demand for the temporary closure of liquor outlets during festive seasons to prevent such tragedies. Ramadoss argued that these murders are a direct consequence of the state government's negligence.
The Gruesome Details of the Crimes
The reports of violence paint a grim picture of the festival day across the state. In Theni district, the murder of Special Sub-Inspector Senthilkumar sparked particular outrage; he was reportedly beaten to death by intoxicated youths after he questioned them for blocking a road to film social media reels while bursting firecrackers.
Other reported incidents include:
- Chennai: A youth named Dhanush was murdered in Vyasarpadi due to previous enmity.
- Tiruvallur: A young woman named Megala was killed.
- Tiruchirappalli: Three people lost their lives in separate incidents.
- Cuddalore and Sivaganga: Three individuals with criminal backgrounds were murdered.
- Perambalur: One person was murdered.
"It is condemnable that even police personnel entrusted with maintaining law and order are now facing a situation where their own safety cannot be guaranteed," said Anbumani Ramadoss.
As political leaders demand strict action to maintain law and order, the focus remains on the state government's failure to ensure the safety of its citizens during one of the year's biggest celebrations.