CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai has launched a scathing attack on the DMK government following the death of BJP spiritual wing functionary V. Vittal Kumar under suspicious circumstances on December 16. Alleging a deteriorating law and order situation in the state, Annamalai criticised the government for its lethargy in arresting those responsible for Kumar’s death and accused DMK-affiliated individuals of orchestrating the incident.
The Incident
V. Vittal Kumar, aged 45, served as the district secretary of the BJP’s spiritual wing and hailed from the Nagal area near K.V. Kuppam in Vellore district. On the night of December 16, Kumar allegedly died in an accident near the Chennangkuppam bus stand on Gudiyatham Road. According to a complaint filed by Kumar’s wife, S. Revathi, he had dropped her at home before heading to KV Kuppam. Within 30 minutes, he sustained severe head injuries in the incident. Despite receiving medical attention at Gudiyatham Government Hospital and later at a private hospital in Melvisharam, Kumar succumbed to his injuries.
Kumar’s family alleged foul play and demanded a thorough investigation, citing his ongoing disputes with Nathal panchayat president and DMK functionary N. Bala Settu. Kumar had reportedly filed complaints against Bala with the Chief Minister’s Special Cell, raising suspicions about the circumstances surrounding his death.
Arrests and Allegations
Vellore police initiated an investigation to determine whether the incident was a politically motivated murder. On December 21, DMK functionary N. Bala Settu and his son B. Tharani Kumar were arrested and remanded to custody. Earlier, on December 20, two other suspects, G. Santhosh Kumar and V. Kamaladas, had surrendered at the Katpadi court.
Taking to social media, Annamalai alleged that Vittal Kumar’s murder was orchestrated by DMK-affiliated individuals. In a tweet, he said, “This is the sorry state of law & order in TN under the DMK Govt. BJP functionary Thiru Vittal avl was brutally murdered by DMK Panchayat Chairman Bala Sait on 16th Dec. After subsequent protests by Vellore District functionaries of BJP Tamil Nadu, today accomplices of Bala Sait have surrendered in court after four days.” He further cautioned the DMK government to ensure all involved in the murder are apprehended, accusing the administration of working overtime to shield its party members.
Lawlessness in Tamil Nadu Under the DMK Rule
Annamalai’s criticism extended beyond Vittal Kumar’s case. Highlighting other incidents, he accused the DMK government of fostering an environment of lawlessness and hooliganism. He pointed to the recent attack on a citizen in Namakkal district who had reported the sale of illegal liquor to the police. The attack was allegedly ordered by Pallipalayam DMK Chairman Selvaraj.
In another tweet, Annamalai said, “In Tamil Nadu, under the DMK Government, the common man has no right to complain about the lawlessness and hooliganism in the state. Over the past four years, the DMK has transformed our once peaceful state into a lawless jungle.” He also accused the DMK of involvement in illegal activities ranging from drug smuggling to corruption.
Critics of the DMK government have raised concerns over its handling of dissent and opposition. Several high-profile arrests have drawn criticism, including those of Rangarajan Narasimhan and YouTuber Savukku Shankar. Rangarajan Narasimhan, a temple activist, was arrested following complaints by a woman lawyer and a religious leader, reportedly after exposing alleged improprieties involving Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. Critics argue that these arrests are part of an oppressive strategy to silence voices critical of the government.
Savukku Shankar, known for his outspoken views, was arrested under the Goondas Act and faced multiple cases. Although released by the Supreme Court in September, he was rearrested in December for failing to appear in court in a ganja possession case. Critics claim such actions are indicative of the DMK’s efforts to stifle dissent and intimidate opposition voices.
Broader Implications
The BJP’s social media wing has also joined the fray, posting pictures of the accused individuals and amplifying allegations of DMK complicity in Kumar’s death. Annamalai’s strong rhetoric and the BJP’s aggressive stance suggest a growing political confrontation in Tamil Nadu as the state’s opposition seeks to hold the ruling government accountable.
Over the past three years, the DMK’s governance has come under scrutiny for rising crime rates, particularly crimes against women, as well as the proliferation of drugs like methamphetamine and heroin. Opposition leaders and critics have pointed to a pattern of political arrests and the suppression of free speech as troubling signs of an oppressive regime.
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