The Union Home Ministry has reportedly sought a comprehensive report from Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on the state's law-and-order situation, following a series of murders reported across the state during Deepavali on November 8 and in the early hours of November 9, according to reports from New Delhi on Wednesday, November 11.

Source: Nation Press

Sources in New Delhi indicated that the Centre wants the Governor to assess recent crimes, particularly the spate of murders, and explain the steps being taken by the state administration to maintain public order, Chennai Vision reported. The development is a major new step in a row that began with the Deepavali killings themselves — among the victims was a Special Sub-Inspector of Police in Theni, who reportedly died after being assaulted by a group of youths.

Source: Chennai Vision

The numbers remain contested. Opposition parties, including the DMK and the AIADMK, have alleged that more than 10 killings occurred on Deepavali day alone, while the state government and police have disputed that figure, stating that eight murders were recorded on the day. Nation Press reported that the killing of Special Sub-Inspector Senthil Kumar, 56, in Theni has become the focal point of the controversy, with accounts saying he was attacked after objecting to the indiscriminate bursting of firecrackers.

DMK leader and former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin sharply criticised the state administration, declaring, in the words reported by Nation Press: 'Law and order is in the intensive care unit. The administration is in a coma.' Opposition parties, including the BJP, have also questioned Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay's handling of the Home portfolio, which he holds himself, and accused the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government of failing to control violent crime — allegations the government has rejected.

Chief Minister Vijay has met senior police officers to review the situation, and police have since conducted operations targeting alleged criminal elements across the state over the past two days, according to the reports. The administration has rejected Opposition characterisations of the situation as exaggerated while acknowledging the seriousness of individual incidents, particularly the death of SSI Senthil Kumar.

Governor Arlekar is scheduled to travel to New Delhi on November 13, and attention is now focused on what assessment he may submit to the Centre. The contents of the Governor's report and any response from the Union Home Ministry are still awaited.