Chennai: Citing data from the National Crime Records Bureau, chief minister M K Stalin said in the assembly on Thursday that Tamil Nadu was the safest state for women and children. The statement came in response to BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran’s allegation that crimes against women rose by nearly 50% in three years in the state. Referring to the 2025 NARI survey, he said only 54% of women in Chennai felt safe at night. Stalin countered the charge, stating that BJP-ruled states were witnessing protests and poor safety indicators.Speaking on the issue, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami said drug menace was a key factor behind crimes. He cited social welfare minister Geetha Jeevan’s statement that the govt paid 104 crore as compensation to 6,690 survivors of sexual violence under the Pocso Act and said these numbers indicate the gravity of the situation.Replying, Geetha Jeevan said the compensation covered cases registered during the previous AIADMK govt’s tenure as well. She further said that the numbers appeared high because the Pocso cases included child marriages, with or without parental consent. Supporting her, law minister S Regupathy said greater awareness helped more survivors to come forward to lodge complaints.
