Not Member, But DMK Sympathiser: Tamil Nadu CM Stalin On Anna University Rape Suspect

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Wednesday said that the one arrested in the Anna University sexual assault case is a DMK sympathiser and not party worker.

"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," India Today quoted Stalin as saying in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. However, the CM stated that the accused might have taken photos with the ministers and politicians.

Stalin added, "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," Nonetheless, he claimed that the accused would have been arrested even if he was his party worker. "We did not save the accused, immediately arrested and imprisoned him and charged him under the Goondas Act," Stalin added.

Cruel And Unacceptable: Stalin On Incident

Expressing empathy for the victim, Stalin stated, "Sexual assault on a student is cruel and unacceptable. This government stands firmly with the victim to ensure justice through legal means. If the accused had not been arrested or had been shielded, criticisms against the government would have been valid. However, the government acted swiftly, and the accused was arrested in a short time with evidence collected."

Notably, Stalin refused to mention the name of Anna University as he does not want to defame former CM and DMK founder Annadurai. He said, "Members have spoken here by mentioning one University's name. But I don't want to mention that name and don't want to defame that name. Because he only made us all. With that emotion, I am leaving aside that name. No one can accept what happened to a student in Chennai."

He criticized opposition parties for politicizing the issue. "One member here has used this to paint the government in a bad light. If you have evidence, submit it to the SIT investigating the case. Don't indulge in cheap activities for short-term political gains," he said, adding, "This government has an iron fist against crimes targeting women."

Stalin dismissed attempts to portray Tamil Nadu as unsafe for women based on this single incident, asserting that such narratives would not resonate with the people.

Opposition Walkout

Despite Stalin's clarifications, AIADMK MLAs staged a walkout from the State Assembly, protesting his remarks and the government's handling of the case. Visuals from the Assembly premises in Chennai showed the opposition's demonstration.