AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami has questioned whether the first case handled by the newly launched “Lioness” special task force is linked to the ruling party, citing an alleged sexual assault incident in Srivaikuntam in Thoothukudi district.
In a statement, Palaniswami said a woman described as a fan of the Chief Minister was allegedly sexually assaulted by functionaries of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). He further alleged that two party members committed the crime with the support of Srivaikuntam TVK MLA Saravanan.
Palaniswami claimed the MLA attempted to “settle” the matter by speaking to the woman and offering to secure her a job by approaching a minister. He asked whether the Chief Minister would accept an elected representative allegedly seeking a compromise in such a case.
He also referred to claims that “the minister knows” and “the leadership knows,” questioning who the “leadership” is. Palaniswami demanded that the case be investigated without political interference and that strict action be taken, noting the victim’s allegation that another woman may also have faced a similar assault.
