A Class XI student from a government school in MKBP Nagar, Chennai, was found in possession of about 5 grams of cannabis during a routine check by teachers, prompting strong political criticism from opposition leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS).
The incident came to light when school staff conducted a search of the student’s belongings and discovered the contraband in a pencil pouch. The student’s identity and further details about disciplinary action or investigation have not been officially disclosed yet.
Responding to the news on his social media page (X), EPS expressed deep shock and concern, framing the event as evidence of a breakdown in law and order under the ruling DMK government. He drew a pointed political comparison with the previous AIADMK government’s laptop distribution initiative for students, saying: “AIADMK gave laptops to students; under DMK’s rule, students are now found with drugs.” He described the situation as a “total failure” of governance.
EPS accused Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and the state administration of neglecting drug circulation and youth protection, claiming that the government has not taken effective steps to curb the spread of narcotics among young people.