Tamil Nadu sees continued decline in murder rates, claims Police department
According to the data released by the Director General of Police (DGP) office, the State recorded 340 murders in the first quarter of 2025 (January–March), while 352 were recorded during the same period in 2024;
Representative Image (Pexels)
CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu police on Thursday claimed a significant reduction in violent crimes, including murders, hurt cases, and riots, marking a sustained downward trend over recent years.
According to the data released by the Director General of Police (DGP) office, the State recorded 340 murders in the first quarter of 2025 (January–March), while 352 were recorded during the same period in 2024. This shows a trend of broader decline continuing since 2021, with 2024 registering the lowest annual murder count (1,563 cases) in 12 years.
Murder rates in Tamil Nadu peaked in 2019 with 1,745 cases, part of a gradual rise from 2017 to 2020. However, proactive policing strategies have reversed this trend. Notably, 2024 saw the lowest number of rowdy murders (gang-related or organised crime killings) in six years, a category historically challenging to curb.
The DGP office listed various initiatives and systematic efforts targeting rowdy elements and organised crimes. Key initiatives include detention, reclassifying of offenders, dedicated DARE officers, prison surveillance, bail enforcement, etc.
“Our multi-pronged strategy – preventive detention, rigorous monitoring, and dismantling criminal ecosystems – has yielded tangible results,” stated the DGP’s office.
The measures have led to a 21 per cent reduction in rowdy-related crimes in 2024 compared to 2020. While “passion crimes” (murders linked to disputes or affairs) remain harder to prevent, the police emphasised that sustained efforts against organised crime will remain a priority to ensure public safety. With Tamil Nadu’s murder rate now at a 12-year low, the State aims to build on this momentum through perpetual innovation in crime prevention.
ACTIONS SO FAR
As many as 3,645 history-sheeters detained in 2024
High-risk A+ and A category rowdies shrank by over 50%
‘Drive Against Rowdy Element’ officers assigned at the station level
Enhanced prison vigilance disrupted revenge plots and crime networks
242 rowdies convicted through targeted trials in 2024
68 bails cancelled for violations