Why is the TN BJP Criticizing the MK Stalin Government Over the Assault on a Journalist?

Chennai, July 3 (NationPress) Tamil Nadu BJP spokesperson A.N.S. Prasad has vehemently denounced the vicious attack on journalist Silambarasan in Salem district, claiming it signifies a total failure of administration under the DMK government and widespread collusion between officials and the sand mafia.

Prasad stated that this incident highlights the increasing impunity enjoyed by criminal factions involved in illegal sand mining throughout the state, accusing the ruling DMK administration of ignoring the ongoing exploitation of Tamil Nadu's natural resources.

Journalist Silambarasan was assaulted in Velliyampatti near Salem while covering red sand theft.

As per Prasad, over 30 members of the sand mafia violently attacked the reporter, issuing death threats, confiscating his camera, and severing its cables in an effort to obliterate evidence.

“What’s even more alarming,” he alleged, “is the existence of credible reports indicating that the local Tahsildar and the Village Administrative Officer (VAO) were complicit in this assault. This is not merely a law-and-order issue—it’s a governance crisis.”

Prasad insisted that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin must take prompt measures to curb illegal sand mining, which he claimed has escalated to unprecedented levels under the current leadership.

“The Goondas Act should be enforced against these sand mafia criminals. Their properties and vehicles must be confiscated, and those within the government supporting them should be identified and punished,” he asserted.

He also called for the state to grant journalist Silambarasan comprehensive police protection, stating that “an honest reporter has put his life on the line to unveil corruption. The government has a responsibility to guarantee his safety.”

Prasad accused officials in the Water Resources Department and various district administrations of facilitating the illegal mining operation.

The BJP spokesperson demanded a thorough intelligence-led investigation to identify and terminate corrupt government officials involved in this racket.

Quoting reports from the Enforcement Directorate, Prasad claimed that illegal financial dealings amounting to Rs 4,730 crore have been associated with the sand mafia in Tamil Nadu.

He highlighted that the Supreme Court, in response to a 2018 petition by Alagarsamy, had directed Tamil Nadu and four other states to submit reports on illegal sand mining by January 2025.

Demanding justice, Prasad called for the establishment of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by a retired Supreme Court judge to thoroughly investigate the sand mining syndicate and administrative collusion.

“This assault on journalist Silambarasan is not an isolated incident. It mirrors the escalating threat to free speech and the security of whistleblowers under the DMK government,” Prasad concluded.