In the wake of allegations flagged by a Deputy Superintendent of Police in Mayiladuthurai district and his eventual suspension, former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam on Sunday (July 20, 2025) criticised the functioning of the police force in the State.

“It is clear from the DSP’s comments to the media that there is no smoke without fire and that corruption is rampant in the police force and there is a nexus between those involved in illegal sale of liquor and the police,” Mr. Panneerselvam said in a statement.

Mr. Panneerselvam urged the Chief Minister for steps to set right the law and order situation to weed out tainted officers and to prevent honest officers from being revenged upon. He further pointed to claims that the DSP Sundaresan was being punished for cracking down on illegal sale of liquor in Mayiladuthurai district and that his suspension was an act of vendetta.

In another statement, Mr. Panneerselvam also criticised the DMK government over the status of various road and civic infrastructure projects across the State. He criticised the reported delay in the implementation of these projects in Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchi among other cities.