Arlekar to brief Shah on TN law and order; Centre keenly watching developments

CHENNAI: Grapevine in the national capital suggests that the Centre is keenly watching the law and order situation in Tamil Nadu, with Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar scheduled to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Friday morning around 11 am and brief him on the developments in the State.

The meeting comes amid a spate of murders reported during Deepavali and mounting Opposition criticism of the C Joseph Vijay-led TVK government over its handling of public order. The Governor is expected to submit a detailed report on the situation, including recent incidents of violence and the State administration’s response.

The killing of a Special Sub-Inspector of Police, K Senthil Kumar, in Theni following an alleged assault by a group of youths has further fuelled the political row, with Opposition parties questioning the government’s ability to rein in criminal elements.

The AIADMK and BJP have stepped up their criticism of the government, holding it responsible for the deterioration in law and order. The DMK, too, has joined the political debate, putting the government under pressure on the policing front.

Chief Minister Vijay, who also holds the Home portfolio, has convened successive review meetings with senior police and intelligence officials and directed them to intensify preventive measures and crack down on offenders.

Following his meeting with Shah, Arlekar is scheduled to travel to Jammu and Kashmir to attend a convocation ceremony at a private university before returning to Chennai on November 15, Sunday.