Why is EPS Criticizing the DMK Government Over Student Abuse Allegations?

Synopsis
AIADMK’s Edappadi K. Palaniswami has fiercely criticized the DMK government regarding allegations of sexual harassment against college students in Arakkonam. With calls for swift action, the political landscape in Tamil Nadu heats up. What are the implications for the ruling party and the safety of young women?
Key Takeaways
- Immediate action demanded against the accused DMK functionary.
- Police initially failed to address the complaints from victims.
- Political tensions escalate between AIADMK and DMK.
- Safety of young women is a critical issue in Tamil Nadu.
- Calls for a transparent investigation are mounting.
Chennai, May 19 (NationPress) AIADMK General Secretary and Tamil Nadu Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami has launched a fierce critique of the DMK government, insisting on immediate action against a ruling party official accused of sexually harassing college students in Arakkonam.
Palaniswami claimed that the police initially dismissed the victim's complaint and only responded after intervention by AIADMK MLA S. Ravi.
In a strongly phrased statement on social media platform X on Monday, Palaniswami noted that a college student had sought police assistance against the accused, identified as Deivaseyal, a local operative of the ruling DMK.
The student alleged that Deivaseyal had abused and attempted to sexually exploit her. Despite the gravity of the allegations, the police allegedly failed to act on her complaint until MLA S. Ravi intervened.
The student also asserted that Deivaseyal had similarly targeted approximately 20 other girls and allegedly maintained connections with individuals close to Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi.
Labeling the allegations as “deeply shocking,” Palaniswami remarked that the incident illustrates the declining state of law and order under the current DMK administration.
“During AIADMK’s governance, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin frequently referenced the Pollachi sexual assault case to criticize us. What will he say now, when a ruling party functionary faces similar accusations?” Palaniswami questioned.
He cautioned that if the Chief Minister does not take swift and decisive action against the accused and others mentioned in the complaint, the AIADMK would be forced to initiate public protests.
“The safety and dignity of young women are non-negotiable. The government cannot be a passive observer when such severe allegations arise,” he added.
The AIADMK leader’s statements have escalated political pressure on the M.K. Stalin-led government, with demands for a transparent and rapid investigation gaining traction.