Chennai: C Joseph Vijay on Monday directed the police to immediately register cases in all sexual offence matters, ensure swift investigation, and secure stringent punishment for those found guilty. The instructions were issued during a high-level law and order review meeting held at the State Secretariat in Chennai.

The Chief Minister reviewed the overall law and order situation with senior officials, particularly in the aftermath of the sexual assault and brutal murder of a 10-year-old girl in Coimbatore, an incident that has triggered widespread public outrage across Tamil Nadu.

Coimbatore child sexual assault and murder sparks statewide shock

The meeting comes against the backdrop of the shocking sexual assault and killing of a minor girl in the Sulur area of Coimbatore. The incident has led to intense anger among citizens and renewed focus on the state’s law and order situation.

Two men, including an acquaintance of the victim, have been arrested in connection with the case. The brutality of the crime has intensified demands for stronger enforcement and faster judicial processes in cases involving crimes against women and children.

CM Vijay calls for speedy trials and strict punishment

During the review, CM Vijay instructed officials that cases involving sexual violence must be handled with urgency and seriousness. He emphasised that trials should be completed expeditiously and that punishment should be severe enough to act as a deterrent.

A government statement said the Chief Minister directed that suspects in heinous crimes should be dealt with strictly, with the justice system ensuring conviction through proper legal procedures.

“Sexual assault cases should be tried expeditiously and the culprits given severe punishment by conducting the case properly so as to serve as deterrent to others,” the Chief Minister reportedly said during the meeting.

He also instructed officials to strengthen precautionary measures and awareness initiatives relating to crimes against women and children.

Advocate General directed to speed up trial processes

As part of the administrative response, CM Vijay instructed the Advocate General to accelerate trial proceedings in cases related to sexual offences. He stressed the need for coordination between departments to ensure timely justice.

The directive also included instructions for improved monitoring mechanisms, preventive strategies, and public awareness campaigns aimed at reducing crimes against women and children across the state.

Opposition criticism over law and order situation

The review meeting was held amid increasing political pressure on the ruling administration. Opposition parties, including the main opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, have criticised the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government over what they describe as a deteriorating law and order situation in Tamil Nadu.

Opposition leaders have cited a recent surge in reported murders and sexual offences, accusing the government of failing to ensure public safety.

CM Vijay speaks to victim’s family

On Sunday, the Chief Minister personally spoke to the family of the Coimbatore victim over the phone. He assured them that justice would be delivered and that the government would take strict action against those responsible.

On Saturday, following public outrage and political backlash, CM Vijay had already promised firm and immediate action in response to the incident.

Senior officials present at high-level meeting

The law and order review meeting at the Secretariat was attended by top administrative and police officials, including M Saikumar, Home Secretary K Manivasan, Advocate General Vijay Narayan, Secretary of the Social Welfare and Women’s Rights Department Mariam Pallavi Baldev, and Director General of Police Sandeep Roy Rathore, along with other senior officials.

Rising focus on crimes against women and children in Tamil Nadu

The latest directives reflect the state government’s intensified focus on crimes against women and children in Tamil Nadu. With growing public concern following the Coimbatore case, authorities are under pressure to demonstrate faster investigations, stronger convictions, and improved preventive policing strategies.

The government has indicated that it will continue to monitor sensitive cases closely and ensure strict enforcement measures going forward.

Agency inputs