Chennai – A bomb attack on a police vehicle in Tamil Nadu has ignited a political firestorm, with former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) launching a scathing critique of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government, asserting that law and order in the state has become a "laughing stock".

The incident occurred on the Trichy-Chennai highway near the Perambalur toll plaza. According to Palaniswami, "mysterious people hurled country-made bombs at a police vehicle". The police were reportedly escorting a rowdy, Vellai Kali, from Madurai for interrogation in connection with several criminal cases.

Palaniswami stated that four police personnel providing security to the accused sustained serious injuries and were hospitalized. He alleged that the attack demonstrated a complete breakdown of law and order in Tamil Nadu. Citing the incident, the AIADMK leader claimed that criminals have "absolutely no fear" of the police or the government.

EPS has been a vocal critic of the DMK government's handling of law and order in recent months. In December 2025, he criticized the government for the increasing incidents of crime and violence across the state, including those involving school students. He stated that the "overall law and order situation in Tamil Nadu is in shambles" and questioned when Chief Minister M.K. Stalin would realize this. In November 2024, Palaniswami condemned the DMK government for the deterioration of law and order, citing murders, burglaries, sexual assaults, and thefts occurring daily.

The AIADMK general secretary has also accused the DMK government of shielding party leaders involved in serious crimes and intimidating media organizations to prevent the truth from coming out. He has claimed that the Tamil Nadu Police has been reduced to a powerless, demoralized force.

In response to earlier criticisms, DMK Organizing Secretary R.S. Bharathi has accused Palaniswami of leveling baseless charges out of frustration. Bharathi maintained that special teams were formed to address specific incidents, such as the Tirupur murders mentioned by EPS, and that the assailants would be arrested soon.

The recent bomb attack and Palaniswami's strong reaction underscore the ongoing political tensions in Tamil Nadu, with law and order emerging as a key battleground between the ruling DMK and the opposition AIADMK. The incident is likely to further intensify the debate over the state's security and governance in the lead-up to future elections.