If a specific sin or corruption becomes widespread in a certain era, is it permissible for the ruler to ordain a punishment for it, such as killing every corrupt person?

Crimes and sins for which there is no prescribed Shar'i (legal) punishment, such as fornication, slander, and theft, have a discretionary punishment (ta'zir) that is left to the opinion of the ruler and those in authority, as dictated by public interest and what prevents the crime. As for whether such a punishment can reach the level of execution, there is a difference of opinion among the scholars.