TVK Minister Rajmohan has defended the state government over murders reported during the Deepavali festival, arguing that such incidents are not unprecedented in Tamil Nadu and accusing opposition parties of attempting to tarnish the government’s reputation.
Responding to criticism over the recent law-and-order situation, Rajmohan claimed that six murders had taken place during Deepavali last year, while 11 murders had been reported on a Deepavali day in an earlier year. He argued that the opposition was creating an impression that such incidents had occurred in Tamil Nadu for the first time.
“They have created an illusion as if something like this has happened for the first time in Tamil Nadu. Last Deepavali, there were six murders; prior to that, on a Deepavali day, there were 11 murders. So, the occurrence of such incidents during festive periods is not a new phenomenon.”
The minister also accused opposition leaders of deliberately targeting the TVK government through successive statements. Naming TTV Dhinakaran, Kanimozhi and Edappadi K. Palaniswami, he alleged that their criticism was intended to discredit the ruling government.
“However, opposition parties—acting more like hostile adversaries—deliberately issue statements, one after another—first Mr. TTV, then Kanimozhi, and then Mr. Edappadi—all with the intent to bring disrepute to the ruling government.”
Claiming that the TVK government had granted unprecedented autonomy to the police, Rajmohan said the force was operating without political interference and had been given a free hand to tackle criminal activities.
“In reality, for the first time in history, we have granted the police full autonomy to prevent such criminal incidents, completely free from any political interference.”
He further maintained that the police were taking stringent action against criminals, including notorious offenders, and making arrests irrespective of the individuals allegedly backing them.
“The police are taking decisive action, even engaging notorious criminals. Regardless of who might be behind such crimes, the perpetrators are being directly arrested. Whenever a law-and-order issue arises, the police work tirelessly, day and night, at the scene of the incident.”
Rajmohan said the government would continue to strengthen the police force and provide it with the necessary independence to conduct impartial investigations, with the stated objective of bringing down criminal incidents in the state.
“Moving forward, we will continue to empower the police force, ensuring they have the full strength and the opportunity to conduct honest, impartial investigations to further reduce such criminal incidents. Thank you.”
Chennai, Tamil Nadu: Minister Rajmohan says, “Murders occurring on Diwali day are not happening for the first time. Six murders took place on Diwali last year, and 11 murders occurred the year before that. Such criminal incidents happening during festival days are nothing new. The opposition parties are deliberately acting with an intent to bring disrepute to the ruling government. Furthermore, this government has given complete freedom to the police department to function without any political interference. While the police are actively shooting and apprehending criminals, the government will take strict measures to curb criminal incidents going forward…”
— IANS (@ians_india) November 9, 2026
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