Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, addressing the Assembly on Wednesday, acknowledged that the accused in the Anna University sexual assault case was a DMK sympathiser. However, Stalin firmly clarified that the individual was not a member of the party.
“I assure you that the one arrested in the Chennai student case is not a member of DMK. He is a DMK sympathiser, we don’t deny,” the Chief Minister stated.
Responding to criticism regarding the accused’s photographs with DMK dignitaries, Stalin explained, “He could have taken pictures with ministers and politicians, nothing wrong in it. But he is not a DMK member, but a sympathiser. That is the truth.”
Stalin asserted that even if the accused had been a party member, he would not have hesitated to take action. “We did not save the accused, immediately arrested and imprisoned him, and charged him under the Goondas Act,” he said.
Government pledges swift justice
Describing the incident as a “very serious issue,” Stalin assured the Assembly that the Tamil Nadu government was resolute in securing justice for the victim. “The Tamil Nadu government has no other aim but to ensure that justice is given to the victim in this case,” he added.
He announced that the chargesheet would be filed within 60 days and that a speedy trial would be conducted in a special court to ensure the perpetrator receives the maximum punishment.
Opposition stages walkout
The AIADMK Opposition, dissatisfied with Stalin’s response, staged a walkout from the Assembly and held a protest outside.
Slogans such as “We condemn the CM” and “Don’t tell lies” were chanted as they criticised the government’s handling of the case.
The 19-year-old Anna University student’s sexual assault inside the campus has garnered widespread attention and sparked outrage across Tamil Nadu. Following the incident, Tamil Nadu Police urged the public to refrain from spreading misinformation about the case.
Political reactions
The AIADMK and BJP have held the ruling DMK responsible for increasing crimes against women. BJP state chief K Annamalai staged a symbolic ‘penance,’ whipping himself in protest. Additionally, the BJP women’s wing organised a march from Madurai to Chennai demanding justice.
The AIADMK has also questioned the government regarding the identity of another individual mentioned in the survivor’s FIR, cryptically referred to as “that sir.”
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