CHENNAI: The brutal assault on a youth from Odisha, who was travelling on a Chennai-Tiruttani EMU train, allegedly by four juveniles from the state, has sparked widespread condemnation from political parties including TVK, Congress and CPM, as well as from several activists and public figures.
Following the incident, Sivaganga MP and Congress leader Karti Chidambaram tweeted, “This ‘Pullingo’ menace in Tamil Nadu must be crushed with an iron hand.” However, his choice of words was criticised by many on social media, with users pointing out that the term ‘Pullingo’ unfairly targets and stereotypes a particular section of youth.
TVK leader Vijay, in a post on X, said the incident had triggered fear and concern over the dangerous path TN was heading towards. He said it reflected the ruling government’s indifference and lack of responsibility towards the future of the state’s youth.
Expressing shock over the incident, CPM state secretary P Shanmugam urged the Railway Protection Force to intensify surveillance to prevent such incidents and demanded that the victim be provided proper medical care and compensation.
Meanwhile, Tamilaga Valvurimai Katchi president T Velmurugan alleged that Tiruttani and other areas along the Andhra Pradesh border have increasingly become hubs for ganja trafficking. He said the incident underscored the failure of the police to curb the drug menace and added that people are unable to move freely in public spaces without fear.
Director Pa Ranjith, in a post on X, said the ruling government’s lethargic approach to curbing the growing drug culture, including in schools and colleges, had resulted in sections of youth displaying mob mentality in public spaces without fear. He also strongly criticised the casual and derogatory use of terms such as ‘Vadakkan’ (northerner), which is used for humour on social media everyday to insult people.
Director Mari Selvaraj also urged the government to take stringent action against the drug culture and the glorification of caste, religion, gangsters and individuals, saying such measures were essential to guide the next generation onto the right path.