CHENNAI, June 11:
DMK leader and Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin on Thursday intensified his attack on the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government over allegations of sexual assault involving a woman in Thoothukudi district’s Srivaikuntam, demanding the removal of the local MLA and a comprehensive investigation into the case.
In a post on social media platform X, Udhayanidhi referred to allegations made by a woman who claimed she was sexually assaulted after being lured with the promise of a job. According to the allegations, two individuals said to be close to Srivaikuntam TVK MLA Saravanan allegedly took her in a car under the pretext of securing employment and sexually assaulted her.
The DMK leader alleged that the victim had further claimed MLA Saravanan later attempted to broker a compromise in the matter. He said the woman had alleged that the MLA spoke to Minister N. Anand and assured her that she would be provided a job.
Udhayanidhi also cited allegations that another woman had similarly been victimised and that members of the government were aware of the developments. Referring to the complainant’s statements, he questioned claims that senior leaders of the ruling party were aware of the matter and sought clarity on who those individuals were.
Accusing the government of failing to act against those allegedly involved, Udhayanidhi claimed that no action had been initiated against the accused. Instead, he alleged, the complainant herself had been expelled from the party.
Questioning Chief Minister Vijay’s repeated assertions that women’s safety was a priority for the government, Udhayanidhi said the administration’s response to the allegations appeared inconsistent with its public commitments.
Calling for a fair and transparent investigation, he demanded justice for the victim and urged the government to take strict action against all those found responsible. He also sought the immediate removal of Srivaikuntam MLA Saravanan from office pending the outcome of the inquiry.
The TVK government had not issued an official response to the allegations at the time of filing this report.
