61% Rise in Crimes Against Children Under DMK Rule Raises Concerns in Tamil Nadu

Crimes against children in Tamil Nadu have seen a significant increase during the tenure of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government, prompting concerns about child safety and the effectiveness of current protective systems.

According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), cases involving crimes against children rose from 4,338 in 2020-during the previous AIADMK administration-to 6,968 in 2023. This marks an increase of approximately 61 percent over three years.

Steady Rise in Reported Cases

Official figures indicate a consistent year-on-year rise since the DMK assumed power:

2021: 6,064 cases
2022: 6,580 cases
2023: 6,968 cases

The upward trend has drawn criticism from opposition parties, who argue that it reflects gaps in law enforcement and governance. Meanwhile, the government maintains that increased awareness and reporting mechanisms may also be contributing to higher recorded figures.

Serious Nature of Crimes

The data also highlights the severity of certain cases. In 2023, 67 children were reported murdered in the state, with two cases involving sexual assault prior to the killing. Between 2021 and 2023, a total of 217 child murders were recorded, including seven cases where victims were sexually assaulted.

Additionally, 28 cases of infanticide were reported during this period, indicating that such crimes have not been fully eradicated.

Krishnagiri Cases Spark Public Outrage

Public concern intensified following a tragic incident in Anchetti, Krishnagiri district, where a two-and-a-half-year-old girl was sexually assaulted and killed. The accused, identified as Kalaignar alias M. Periyanayagam, was reportedly linked to a local unit of the DMK youth wing.

In a separate case from the same district, a man allegedly posed as a trainer conducting a camp similar to National Cadet Corps programmes at a private school near Bargur. Authorities claim he used this cover to sexually assault multiple students. The accused later died in custody.

These incidents have raised questions about local oversight, institutional safety measures, and background verification processes.

Concerns Over Social Factors

Some critics have linked the rise in crimes to broader social issues, including the availability of alcohol and the spread of narcotics in certain areas. They argue that these factors may contribute to unsafe environments for children. However, such claims remain part of ongoing public and political debate.

Delays in Justice and Court Shortages

Another major concern is the backlog of cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Reports suggest that nearly 60 percent of such cases in Tamil Nadu remain pending.

One contributing factor is the shortage of dedicated POCSO courts. The state currently has 14 special courts, with several districts lacking exclusive facilities. As a result, cases are often handled by courts dealing with multiple categories of offences, leading to delays.

In response, the state government has announced plans to establish 14 additional special courts in phases. Critics, however, argue that the expansion should have occurred earlier given the rising caseload.

Rise in POCSO Cases

The increase in overall crimes is mirrored in POCSO case registrations:

2020: 3,090 cases
2021: 4,465 cases
2022: 6,580 cases
2023: 6,968 cases

While the government attributes this rise partly to improved reporting and awareness, critics contend that awareness alone does not fully explain the scale of the increase.

Ongoing Debate

The DMK government has stated that strict action is taken against offenders regardless of political affiliation. However, the rising numbers, high-profile incidents, and delays in legal proceedings have intensified scrutiny.

As Tamil Nadu approaches upcoming Assembly elections, the issue of child safety is likely to remain a key topic of public and political discussion.