EPS Criticizes DMK Govt Over Hospital Sexual Assault

Synopsis
AIADMK leader EPS has criticized the DMK government for failing to protect women after a sexual assault incident at a Chennai hospital. He demands immediate action against the offender and accuses the regime of shielding criminals.
Key Takeaways
- EPS blames DMK for women's safety failures.
- Recent assault at Kilpauk Medical College Hospital raises alarms.
- Call for strict actions against offenders.
- DMK proposes amendments to Women Harassment Act.
- Ongoing investigations into multiple assault cases.
Chennai, Jan 13 (NationPress) AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), has accused the DMK government of failing to ensure the safety of women in the state.
His statements were made following an incident where a man sexually harassed a female patient at a government hospital in Chennai.
In a post shared on X, EPS stated, “Following the sexual assault of the Anna University student, yet another incident has occurred within a government hospital in Chennai, revealing that women are not safe under the so-called ‘Stalin-model government.’”
He further remarked, “The Chief Minister discussed women’s safety in the Assembly, and I am curious what he will say now.” EPS demanded strict and prompt action against the perpetrator involved in the hospital incident.
Additionally, he accused the DMK administration of protecting offenders, noting, “The CM becomes irritated when we inquire, ‘Who is that sir?’” The AIADMK leader highlighted his party’s ‘Save Our Daughters’ initiative, launched after the sexual assault of a student at Anna University, and alleged that the current government continues to provide cover for offenders.
He asserted, “More ‘sirs’ are being generated as more offenders are shielded under this regime.”
The DMK government, facing backlash, has suggested a strict amendment to the Tamil Nadu Women Harassment Act to impose tougher penalties for crimes against women and children.
The incident took place at the Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital (KMCH) late Sunday night when a 28-year-old man, identified as Sathish from Ranipet, allegedly entered the women’s ward while inebriated.
The police have filed a case and apprehended the suspect. An investigation is ongoing.
It is important to note that a second-year civil engineering student at Anna University was sexually assaulted on December 23. This incident unfolded when she and her male friend, a senior at the university, were seated in a secluded area of the campus after attending a Christmas event.
According to the victim’s report, the assailant first attacked her male companion, savagely assaulting him, before dragging her into nearby bushes and raping her. Swiftly responding, police arrested a 37-year-old roadside biryani vendor, Gnanshekharan, in connection with the offense. Opposition parties, including AIADMK and BJP, have claimed that the assailant is affiliated with the DMK and has a criminal background.
However, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin stated that the accused was not a DMK member but acknowledged he was a sympathizer of the party.