Since Chief Minister Vijay assumed office, Tamil Nadu has witnessed a series of high-profile crimes that have attracted significant public attention and political debate. The incidents, ranging from crimes against children and women to gang violence and fatal attacks, have prompted renewed discussions about public safety, policing, and law enforcement across the state. While authorities have made arrests in several cases and investigations remain ongoing, the frequency and severity of these incidents have kept law and order at the center of political discourse. Presented below is a chronological account of six major crimes that dominated headlines in recent weeks.
1. Coimbatore Child Murder: 10-Year-Old Girl Abducted, Assaulted and Killed
The first major case to trigger statewide outrage was the abduction, sexual assault, and murder of a 10-year-old Class 5 student from Sulur in Coimbatore district. The child went missing on the evening of May 21 while playing near her residence, prompting an extensive police search operation involving multiple special teams. The following day, her body was discovered in a coconut grove near Kannampalayam Lake. Post-mortem examinations confirmed sexual assault prior to the murder. Investigators analyzed hundreds of CCTV recordings and identified a neighbor, Karthi, who allegedly lured the victim with chocolates before committing the crime. Police arrested Karthi and an accomplice, while the case drew condemnation from political leaders, intervention from national authorities, and widespread demands for speedy justice and stricter punishment for crimes against children.
2. Madurai Temple Murder: Teenager Killed Near Meenakshi Amman Temple
Just days later, Tamil Nadu was shocked by the murder of 16-year-old Gubendran near the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai. The teenager was allegedly attacked and killed by a gang of five individuals inside the temple parking area. According to investigators, the crime stemmed from an existing rivalry linked to disputes during the recently concluded Chithirai festival celebrations. The incident attracted significant attention due to its occurrence at one of the state’s most visited religious landmarks and fueled concerns regarding youth violence, gang rivalries, and public security in urban centers.
3. Tondiarpet Murder: Vishnu Killed After Opposing Drug Activity
The murder of 23-year-old Vishnu in Chennai’s Tondiarpet locality intensified concerns about the growing influence of narcotics-related crime. According to police investigations, Vishnu had reportedly objected to marijuana sales taking place in his neighborhood and confronted those involved. He was subsequently attacked by a group of men using weapons including a hammer and beer bottles. Despite being rushed to hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. The incident triggered strong political reactions, with opposition parties questioning the effectiveness of anti-drug measures and calling for stricter enforcement against narcotics networks operating across the state.
4. Koyambedu Hit-and-Run: 18-Year-Old Student Dies After Road Rage Incident
On the night of June 2, an altercation that began inside a star hotel bar near Chennai’s Koyambedu area escalated into a fatal incident that claimed the life of 18-year-old Yancy, a student from a Sri Lankan Tamil rehabilitation camp in Villupuram district. Investigators allege that after a dispute between two groups inside the establishment, Yancy and her friends left on motorcycles and were pursued by members of the rival group travelling in a car. During the chase, the car allegedly rammed into the motorcycle carrying Yancy and her companions, resulting in fatal injuries to the teenager and leaving another girl critically injured. Police registered a murder case, arrested multiple suspects, seized the vehicle involved, and suspended the bar’s license as part of the investigation.
5. Thoothukudi Attack: Actress Deepa’s Father Assaulted in Public
Public attention shifted to Thoothukudi when Pulavar Ganesan, the 72-year-old father of Tamil actress Deepa, was attacked by a group of armed men in the Muthiahpuram area. According to police, the assailants arrived on a motorcycle and assaulted him with sharp weapons before escaping. Ganesan, who is known locally for his involvement in public activities, Congress party affairs, and temple administration, sustained serious injuries and was admitted to hospital for treatment. Preliminary investigations suggested the attack could be linked to local disputes concerning temple administration and civic issues. Police subsequently arrested three suspects and launched a detailed investigation into the motive behind the assault.
6. Velachery Sexual Assault Case: Elderly Woman with Intellectual Disabilities Assaulted
One of the most disturbing incidents reported in Chennai involved the alleged sexual assault of a 61-year-old woman with intellectual disabilities in the Velachery area. The victim, who had reportedly been living near the Velachery Bus Stand after separating from her family, was found injured during the early hours of the morning by members of the public near a petrol station on the 100-Feet Road. Medical examinations confirmed sexual assault, prompting an intensive investigation by the police. CCTV footage collected from the locality led to the arrest of Mohammed Muthab (26) and Mohammed Atheel (23), both employed at eateries in Velachery. The case sparked widespread condemnation and renewed discussions regarding the safety of vulnerable individuals living on city streets.
Conclusion
The period following Vijay’s swearing-in as Chief Minister has been marked by several high-profile criminal cases that have generated widespread public concern. From crimes against children and women to gang violence, narcotics-related killings, and attacks in public spaces, these incidents have intensified scrutiny of Tamil Nadu’s law-and-order situation. While police investigations have resulted in arrests in most cases and the government has promised strict action against offenders, opposition parties continue to cite these incidents as evidence of growing public safety challenges. As investigations and court proceedings continue, these cases are likely to remain central to discussions surrounding governance, policing, and justice in Tamil Nadu.