AIADMK general secretary and Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Wednesday slammed the DMK government over the incident of alleged sexual assault and murder of an octogenarian woman in Ranipet by a 19-year-old man and said it was a “shameful reflection of lawlessness in the State.”

In a post on X, Mr. Palaniswami said “Criminals have no fear in the State. The people of Tamil Nadu are regretting more and more every day that electing the DMK regime was a mistake.”

Referring to a separate incident in Dharmapuri, where Jayaraman, a farmer, allegedly attempted to end his life outside the Superintendent of Police’s office, Mr. Palaniswami alleged “Instead of listening to the grievances of the public, the State government is in complete mute mode.”

He urged the State government to take strict action against the accused involved in the murder of the octogenarian and also resolve the grievances of the farmer.

(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the State’s health helpline 104, TeleMANAS 14416 and Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline – 044 – 24640050)

Published – June 05, 2025 12:47 am IST