CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government on Tuesday issued firm instructions to officials and police authorities statewide following the assault on a youth from Odisha in Tiruttani, stressing that the safety of people from other States living and working in Tamil Nadu remains a top priority.

In a statement, the government said the attack was an isolated incident and reaffirmed that Tamil Nadu continues to remain a safe and welcoming State for migrant workers and those from other regions.

Officials have been directed to intensify police patrolling in areas with migrant populations, monitor workplaces employing large numbers of out-of-state workers, hold regular interactions with industry and labour representatives, and ensure swift legal action in the event of any such incident.

Authorities have also urged the public not to circulate the assault video on social media, warning that sharing such content could disturb peace, create unnecessary panic and affect social harmony.

Meanwhile, CPM state secretary P Shanmugam called for stronger enforcement to stop the flow of narcotics into Tamil Nadu and demanded the immediate arrest of those behind the supply networks.

Pointing out that lakhs of migrant workers were employed across Tamil Nadu, he warned that such violent incidents could create a sense of fear and insecurity among them, affecting the State's labour force. He urged the government to step up police protection on trains and take all necessary preventive measures to ensure the safety of migrant workers and the public.

Alleging that the law and order situation has completely collapsed in Tamil Nadu, Odisha BJP spokesperson Anil Biswal claimed that the DMK government was protecting the criminals and ‘failed’ to provide security to the people even in public places.

"The Odisha BJP demands a fast-track investigation into the incident and the resignation of Tamil Nadu Home Minister. This incident is highly condemnable," Biswal said.

Meanwhile, TN BJP spokesperson ANS Prasad said the viral video of the machete attack, reportedly filmed for social media, was not an act of juvenile delinquency but a serious crime fuelled by drugs, unchecked violence and moral collapse. The party demanded an immediate crackdown on narcotics, stringent enforcement of laws against weapon display, and proactive surveillance of high-risk youth.

The BJP also called for holding social media platforms accountable for allowing violent content to circulate, and urged the School Education department to introduce compulsory moral education and anti-drug awareness programmes.