Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) General Secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Tamil Nadu government over the alleged sexual assault of an 11-year-old girl in Villupuram district, demanding stronger action to protect women and children across the state. The criticism follows media reports of an arrest in connection with the incident in the Vandipalayam area near Marakkanam.

The Villupuram Incident

According to reports, a person was arrested in connection with the alleged sexual assault of the minor from the Vandipalayam area near Marakkanam in Villupuram district. The incident has reportedly shocked local residents and reignited concerns over child safety in Tamil Nadu. Authorities have not yet issued a detailed public statement on the case.

Dhinakaran's Accusations Against the Government

In a formal statement, Dhinakaran directly questioned Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, pointing out that Vijay had previously and publicly projected himself as a protector of women and girls. The AMMK leader questioned why the Chief Minister appeared silent as fresh incidents continued to surface across the state.

Dhinakaran also drew attention to an earlier case near Sulur in Coimbatore district, where a 10-year-old girl was allegedly abducted, sexually assaulted, and murdered — an incident that had already triggered widespread outrage among political parties and the public. He argued that before the anger over the Coimbatore case had subsided, the Villupuram case had emerged, pointing to a pattern of repeated failures.

Pattern of Crimes and Political Accountability

'Governments should move beyond expressing condolences and focus on creating stronger preventive mechanisms,' Dhinakaran said. He argued that the repeated nature of such incidents raises serious questions about the effectiveness of the state's existing child and women protection frameworks.

This comes amid broader public concern in Tamil Nadu over crimes involving minors. The AMMK leader's statement reflects growing opposition pressure on the Vijay-led government to demonstrate concrete action beyond reactive condemnation.

What Dhinakaran Demanded

Dhinakaran urged Chief Minister Vijay to ensure the accused in the Villupuram case receives the maximum punishment permissible under law. He also called for greater systemic attention to the protection of women and children, stating that public safety must remain among the government's highest priorities.

With assembly-level scrutiny intensifying and civil society voices growing louder, the Tamil Nadu government faces mounting pressure to present a credible action plan on child safety in the days ahead.