Former Minister Criticizes Tamil Nadu Health Minister Amid Rising Drug Issues

D. Jayakumar, a senior AIADMK leader, has raised concerns over rising drug addiction in Tamil Nadu following a violent incident involving four minors attacking a young man from Odisha. He criticized the state's health minister for denying the prevalence of drugs, highlighting the disconnect between official statements and reality. The police have taken swift action, arresting the minors involved and filing serious charges. This incident has sparked a broader discussion about the growing drug problem in the state. Read on for more details about the attack and the subsequent police response.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 31, 2025, 17:03 IST

Response to Recent Attack in Tamil Nadu

On Wednesday, D. Jayakumar, a senior leader of the AIADMK and former minister, addressed the recent assault on a 20-year-old man from Odisha by four minors in Tamil Nadu. He sharply criticized the state's Health Minister, M. Subramanian, for claiming that there is no prevalence of drugs in the region, arguing that such incidents indicate a growing addiction problem in the state.

Details of the Incident

Jayakumar expressed concern that Tamil Nadu, known for its hospitality, is now facing embarrassment due to such violent acts. He pointed out that the health minister's denial of drug issues is disconnected from reality, as addiction is indeed spreading. Meanwhile, Asra Garg, the Inspector General of Police for the northern region, provided a detailed account of the incident, revealing that the minors not only attacked the victim but also recorded the assault and shared it online.

Police Action and Legal Proceedings

The unfortunate event occurred on December 27, when the four minors assaulted the young man from Odisha. They filmed the entire incident and uploaded it to social media. The victim received immediate medical attention at three different government hospitals. An FIR has been filed under serious charges, including attempted murder, which is one of the most severe offenses for such crimes. The Tiruvallur district police have apprehended all four minors involved. The Juvenile Justice Board has ordered that three of the accused be placed in a juvenile home, while one has been returned to their parents.