Chennai, 13 Nov (H.S.):

Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Friday and briefed him on the State’s law and order situation, sources said. This meeting assumed significance as opposition parties of the state has been mounting criticism of the government led by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay.

A report from the Governor has reached the Centre, sources said, drawing attention to a series of crimes and other incidents that have triggered concerns over public safety in Tamil Nadu.

During the nearly 90-minute meeting, Arlekar discussed eight murders reported on Deepavali, the killing of a Special Sub-Inspector of Police in Theni and prison break incidents, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

The alleged increase in sexual offences against women and children, along with the growing drug menace, was also understood to have figured in the briefing.

The meeting comes as Vijay, who holds the Home portfolio, has been conducting law and order reviews with senior police officials. His TVK government has faced sustained attacks from Opposition parties over its response to crime and its ability to ensure public safety.

Two controversies involving elected representatives were also understood to have been raised during the discussions.

These included allegations that TVK MLA C Arul Vignesh harassed Kallakurichi District Collector J E Padmaja, and accusations that Assembly Deputy Speaker M Ravisankar assaulted a member of the public.

Meanwhile, speculation in New Delhi suggested that the Union Home Ministry had been closely following developments in Tamil Nadu and had sought a detailed assessment from the Governor. That claim remained attributed to informal accounts.

The Governor’s visit has added a national dimension to the political debate over policing and public safety in the State. With the Chief Minister reviewing the situation and the Opposition pressing its criticism, the meeting has brought renewed attention to the Centre’s assessment of recent developments.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman