Daijiworld Media Network – Krishnagiri

Krishnagiri, Sep 10: Two men, including a personal helper of Bargur DMK MLA Mathiazhagan, have been arrested in Krishnagiri district for allegedly sexually assaulting a 20-year-old differently-abled youth.

Police said the survivor, a resident of Kaveripattinam, had come to the Krishnagiri municipal library near the town bus stand to prepare for the Group-2 government service exams. On August 29, he was allegedly lured to a secluded spot by the accused – Aseen Ali and Athiyamaan – and subjected to sexual assault.

“We’ve arrested the MLA’s helper and another man. They allegedly forced the differently-abled youth to perform oral sex. A search is on for the third suspect,” a senior police officer confirmed.

Following the complaint, Krishnagiri Town Police registered a case against three persons. Two of them – Athiyamaan, the MLA’s aide, and Aseen Ali – have been arrested, while efforts are underway to trace the third.

Meanwhile, AIADMK has demanded the arrest of a local DMK functionary who allegedly attempted to pressure the survivor into withdrawing his complaint.

The incident has triggered a political row ahead of Chief Minister MK Stalin’s scheduled visit to Krishnagiri on Wednesday and Thursday. Opposition parties hit out at the ruling DMK, accusing it of failing to maintain law and order.

The government, however, rejected the allegations, citing National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data to argue that crime in Tamil Nadu is lower compared to many other states and that stringent action is being taken in all such cases.