Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai
Chennai, Oct 24: A functionary of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), the ruling party in Tamil Nadu, has been booked for allegedly sexually assaulting a college student in Kanyakumari district, triggering a political controversy with the DMK and AIADMK questioning the government's commitment to women's safety and accountability within the party.
The accused, identified as L Christopher, a member of TVK's central district executive committee in Kanyakumari, allegedly sexually harassed the student after offering her and a friend a lift in his car amid heavy rain. Police have registered a case and are investigating the allegations. According to media reports, the accused was absconding and police were searching for him.
Student allegedly assaulted during car ride
According to reports, the incident took place on Wednesday evening when the student and her friend, both returning from college in Nagercoil, were waiting for a bus. The accused, who reportedly knew the friend, offered to drop them home.
After dropping the other woman at Moolachel, Christopher allegedly continued towards Kulasekaram with the student. During the journey, he reportedly stopped the car while it was raining and sexually harassed her.
The student subsequently informed her family and lodged a complaint. The complaint was initially received at Kotticode police station before the case was transferred to Thuckalay police for further investigation. Reports said a case had been registered under Sections 75(1) and 75(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deal with sexual harassment-related offences.
The case took a further turn when the student reportedly submitted a written request seeking withdrawal of her complaint and asking that no action be taken against the accused. Police confirmed that no arrest had been made and that the investigation was continuing. Allegations of intimidation or pressure surrounding the request have surfaced, but these have not been independently established.
DMK demands action, protection for student
The incident prompted a sharp response from the opposition DMK. Party MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi questioned Chief Minister and TVK leader C Joseph Vijay over what action would be taken against the accused functionary.
She called for the student to be protected and demanded that the law take its course without political interference. Kanimozhi also criticised the party over allegations involving its functionaries and warned that the DMK would join democratic protests if the government failed to act appropriately.
The DMK also questioned whether political influence was affecting the handling of complaints against members of the ruling party, raising broader concerns about women's safety and police accountability.
AIADMK also targets ruling party
The AIADMK joined the criticism, questioning the government's record on women's safety and pointing to allegations against TVK functionaries.
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami criticised the incident and called for legal action against the accused without political interference. He also questioned the effectiveness of the government's proposed women's safety measures, including the 'Singappen Pen Athiradi Padai'. Party spokesperson Kovai Sathyan similarly expressed concern over allegations involving political functionaries.
Opposition leaders have also cited earlier cases involving TVK members facing allegations of sexual harassment and other offences. The allegations have intensified calls for the party leadership to clarify its disciplinary procedures and explain what action it takes when members face serious criminal accusations.
Party response and investigation
Media reports said TVK had not issued a detailed official statement on the latest case at the time of publication. A party leader, speaking anonymously to NDTV, said the law would take its course and that the party had taken action in earlier cases.
The case has placed the spotlight on the responsibility of political parties to respond transparently to allegations against their members, while ensuring that investigations proceed fairly and without interference.
Police are continuing their investigation. The allegations against Christopher have not been established in court, and the reported request to withdraw the complaint does not by itself determine the outcome of the investigation.