Tamil Nadu Records Notable Drop in Crime Across Multiple Categories
State Home Secretary Dheeraj Kumar announced on Thursday that Tamil Nadu has experienced a consistent and steady decline in crime incidence over the past five years, spanning nearly all major categories. The announcement was made in response to concerns raised by Opposition parties regarding law and order issues in the state.
"I can go only by the facts and data," Dheeraj Kumar stated, emphasizing the government's reliance on empirical evidence to assess the situation. He highlighted specific statistics that underscore this positive trend.
Significant Reductions in Violent Crimes
The data reveals a clear downward trajectory in serious offenses. Murder cases in Tamil Nadu decreased from 1,597 reported incidents in 2021 to 1,461 in 2025. Similarly, rape cases showed a decline, falling from 422 in 2021 to 401 in 2025. These figures indicate a broader trend of improving public safety across the state.
Regarding custodial matters, Dheeraj Kumar affirmed the state government's "zero-tolerance" policy on custodial torture. He addressed the specific case of Ajithkumar from Madappuram in Sivaganga district, noting that Tamil Nadu police maintain transparency in investigating such incidents.
"We are transparent in dealing with these cases, and that is why we transferred the case to the CBI," he explained, underscoring the commitment to unbiased and thorough inquiries.
Enhanced Police Vigilance and Awareness
Director-General of Police G. Venkatraman commented on a recent high-profile case involving the rape and murder of a 16-year-old girl in Kolathur near Vilathikulam, Tuticorin district. He noted that the crime occurred in a remote location and assured that police teams have been actively deployed to apprehend the suspects.
Venkatraman also pointed to increased awareness among police personnel regarding the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and crimes against women. "Due to this, the number of cases registered under the POCSO Act has increased. There is no suppression of cases reported in the state," he stated.
He further clarified that subordinate officers have been empowered to register cases without delay, ensuring that all incidents are properly documented and addressed. Additional DGP (Law and Order) Maheshwar Dayal added that police are closely monitoring all POCSO cases and crimes against women to secure convictions through legal procedures.
"We are giving high priority to filing charge sheets and getting convictions in those cases," Dayal emphasized, highlighting the focus on judicial outcomes.
Aggressive Action Against Drug Menace
On the issue of drug-related crimes, Dheeraj Kumar reported substantial progress. Prior to 2021, approximately 6,800 drug cases had been recorded. However, over the past five years, authorities have taken severe action against drug peddlers and smugglers, registering more than 11,000 cases.
"Thereby curbing the drug menace in the state," he asserted, indicating a proactive approach to combating substance abuse. As part of these efforts, anti-drug clubs have been established in all colleges and educational institutions to promote awareness and prevention among youth.
The collective statements from senior officials paint a picture of a state making measurable strides in reducing crime, enhancing police accountability, and tackling specific challenges like drug abuse with determined initiatives.
