Chennai: Former chief minister and AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami condemned DMK govt for failing to prevent alleged “heinous crimes” in the state. In a statement on Friday, Palaniswami said over the past few days in Sivagiri in Tenkasi district, there has been a wave of violence and lawlessness with multiple murders creating panic among the public.“On behalf of AIADMK, I strongly condemn these heinous crimes. Despite repeated incidents of violence in the region, DMK govt has failed to take preventive measures. Particularly, the brutal murder of three individuals within a short period raises serious questions about law and order in the state. These murders are not isolated. They have taken place in public view, indicating a total breakdown of security and administrative response,” Palaniswami said.He said these incidents, some of which occurred in daylight, have shaken public confidence in the police force. “It is alarming that such murders continue to happen despite previous warnings and complaints from local residents. Law and order are a fundamental responsibility of govt, and its failure is evident in the administration’s inability to prevent or investigate these crimes effectively,” said Palaniswami.He pointed out that over the last three years, a DMK office-bearer was murdered in Sivagiri in 2022, a Congress functionary was murdered in public view in 2023 and in early 2024, another gruesome daylight murder occurred. “These incidents suggest a disturbing pattern of lawlessness. In total, over 11 murders have occurred in Sivagiri alone during this govt’s tenure, with many left unresolved. Instead of improving the situation, the govt has allowed it to worsen. This reflects a grave dereliction of duty by the ruling party and the police. People are now living in fear, and the area has become a hotspot for unchecked violence,” he said.He urged govt to immediately restore law and order in Sivagiri, arrest and prosecute the perpetrators without delay, increase police presence and launch preventive measures.