Bhubaneswar, Dec 30:The BJP on Tuesday strongly criticized the DMK government following the brutal attack on a youth from Odisha aboard a running train in Tamil Nadu.

Alleging a complete breakdown of law and order in the state, Odisha BJP spokesperson Anil Biswal accused the DMK government of shielding criminals and failing to ensure public safety, even in crowded public spaces. He demanded swift action and a fast-track trial in the case.

The victim, identified as 20-year-old K Suraj from Odisha, was allegedly assaulted by four juveniles on Saturday while travelling in the general compartment of a Chennai–Tiruttani EMU local train. According to Biswal, the attack reflects the deteriorating security situation in Tamil Nadu.

In a social media post, Biswal said a video of the incident shows the attackers using sickles and later flashing victory signs. “A youth from Odisha has been brutally attacked with sickles in Tamil Nadu. The state government must respond firmly with deterrent punishment. Terrible law and order prevails in Tamil Nadu,” he wrote, questioning the accountability of the DMK leadership.

Biswal further stated that the viral video raises serious concerns about the confidence of criminals and the state’s ability to maintain law and order. He reiterated the Odisha BJP’s demand for a fast-track investigation and called for the resignation of the Tamil Nadu Home Minister, terming the incident “highly condemnable.”

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Police have registered a case against four juveniles in connection with the assault. The victim reportedly had fled his home after a domestic dispute and was not a regular migrant worker.

According to police, the juveniles allegedly threatened Suraj with a sickle when the train reached Tiruvalangadu. They were reportedly intoxicated and carrying sickles concealed in their bags, allegedly to record videos for social media. When Suraj objected, an argument ensued and continued until the train reached Tiruttani railway station.

The police said the juveniles then forced Suraj to accompany them to an abandoned railway quarters nearby, where he was assaulted and left injured. One of the accused allegedly recorded the incident and uploaded it online.