Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu: The Karamadai police have intensified their investigation into a case of alleged sexual harassment and caste-based abuse against three functionaries of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party. The accused, including the Karamadai union secretary, are alleged to have harassed a 29-year-old woman party member, subjecting her to sexual advances, abuse, and criminal intimidation. The incident has cast a shadow over the regional political landscape, with authorities meticulously examining the complaints filed by the victim.
Investigation Underway Following Multiple Allegations
According to reports, the accused have been identified as Karuppusamy (39), the TVK’s Karamadai union secretary, party functionary Sabitha (25), and her husband, Pandithurai (30). The complainant, who held the position of a panchayat-level secretary within the party, submitted a petition to the Coimbatore District Collector on November 12, 2026. Following this, the police registered a case against the trio later the same day. As of the latest reports, no arrests have been made, but the investigation is progressing with the Coimbatore District Superintendent of Police, A. Pavan Kumar Reddy, ordering a probe led by the Mettupalayam Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).
The alleged harassment began after a meeting of panchayat-level secretaries convened by Karuppusamy on May 18, 2026, which concluded around 11:30 p.m. The woman, whose residence is approximately 15 km away, sought assistance to return home safely on her two-wheeler. It is alleged that Karuppusamy accompanied her on this journey and, while riding on the pillion seat, subjected her to sexual harassment. Upon objecting to his behaviour, the woman reportedly rushed home.
Accusations of Retaliation and Defamation
The complainant further stated that Karuppusamy subsequently removed her from her post as panchayat secretary after she rejected his advances, appointing another woman in her place. He allegedly continued to harass her and made defamatory statements about her character. The woman claims to have brought the matter to the attention of the constituency TVK MLA, N. Sunil Anand, on three separate occasions, but was allegedly asked to provide proof of her allegations. In addition to the sexual harassment, the woman has also accused Sabitha and her husband, Pandi, of abusing her using caste-based slurs and threatening her and her family, purportedly acting on Karuppusamy’s instructions.
The Karamadai police have registered a case against all three accused under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including those pertaining to uttering obscene words, sexual harassment, and aggravated criminal intimidation. Furthermore, charges under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, specifically sections 3(1)(r) and 3(1)(s), have been invoked, addressing the allegations of caste-based abuse and intimidation.
Broader Context of Allegations Against TVK Functionaries
This incident in Coimbatore is part of a larger pattern of allegations of sexual misconduct and other offenses against functionaries of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam party in Tamil Nadu. In a separate case reported on October 23, 2026, a TVK functionary named L. Christopher was booked in Kanniyakumari district for allegedly sexually harassing a college student after offering her a lift. He was later arrested on October 29, 2026, after being absconding since the case was registered. The student had alleged that Christopher stopped his car midway and sexually harassed her after dropping her friend.
Another incident that came to light on July 14, 2026, involved a TVK leader, Ramesh, the Krishnarayapuram East union secretary in Karur district. A married woman accused him of sexual harassment for nearly three months and an attempted abduction. Her family alleged that the police were not acting on their complaint and were instead protecting the accused. While police stated an inquiry was underway and a counter-complaint had been received, the allegations led to a political row, with DMK MP Kanimozhi questioning the state’s law-and-order situation.
Furthermore, in Chennai, a TVK functionary identified as Dinesh was arrested in connection with allegations of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl. The complaint was lodged by the minor’s mother, and Dinesh had reportedly been absconding prior to his apprehension. These recurring allegations against party functionaries underscore a significant challenge for the TVK, as investigations continue and the party faces scrutiny over the conduct of its members and the handling of such serious complaints.
The Chenab Times News Desk
