MLAs Raise Concerns Over Student Drug Abuse, Murders in Tamil Nadu Assembly

MLAs across party lines in the Tamil Nadu Assembly in Chennai raised concerns over rising drug abuse among students and recent murder cases across the state, urging the government to initiate urgent action and strengthen policing.

AIADMK MLA Kamaraj alleged during the session that ganja consumption among college students in Coimbatore has been increasing. He claimed that students who complain about drug-related issues face attacks, while college administrations treat such matters as internal student disputes. Referring to the murder of a student from a marginalised community, Kamaraj demanded ₹20 lakh in financial assistance for the victim's family and called for a detailed investigation, stating that informants reporting drug sales are being targeted and killed.

PMK MLA Ganesh Kumar stated that five murders have taken place in Tamil Nadu recently and called for a thorough investigation by the government. Expressing concern over ganja usage among school and college students, he stated that the issue should not continue as it allegedly did in the previous regime and demanded the formation of an inquiry committee headed by a retired judge.

BJP MLA Bojarajan stressed that education must focus on discipline and shaping the future of students alongside academics. He noted that while Tamil Nadu is often described as a leader in education, attention must be directed toward resolving student-related problems. Highlighting conflicting accounts from the media, police, and parents, he urged police authorities to take strict action to prevent future incidents.

CPI(M) MLA Sellasamy pointed out that three murder incidents have occurred in Coimbatore in the span of 10 days, raising questions over law and order. He called for the police force to be strengthened and restructured. He also referenced the murder of college student Amuthan in Coimbatore, noting that the DMK had brought a special resolution, and cited additional incidents in Thiruvottiyur and Megamalai as reflective of broader law and order issues.

Separately, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami raised concerns regarding fish deaths in the Ennore Kosasthalaiyar river, stating that the situation has impacted the livelihoods of local fishermen. Responding to the issue, Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar said information had been received that morning and assured that ministers would respond in detail before members are given time to speak.