- CM Vijay questions DMK's silence on Veeramani POCSO case.
- Alleges collusion between DMK and AIADMK on the issue.
- Demands CM Stalin respond to Veeramani case allegations.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and TVK chief C Joseph Vijay stepped up his attack on the DMK on Friday, accusing the party of remaining silent over the POCSO case involving industrialist R Veeramani and alleging that the DMK and AIADMK had reached an understanding over the matter.
Speaking at a TVK campaign rally in Madurantakam ahead of the October 6 bypoll, Vijay alleged that Veeramani had been abusing minor girls for years and claimed that a complaint had been lodged during the previous DMK government, but the matter was not pursued.
Vijay also accused the MK Stalin-led party of acting as though it “owns the state”, while saying that a Chief Minister should instead remain a “people’s servant”.
Vijay Questions Silence Over Veeramani Case
Without directly naming the POCSO case in one part of his address, Vijay referred to allegations against Veeramani and questioned why the matter had not received adequate attention earlier.
He alleged that the case and its history had been “buried” despite a complaint being filed during the previous DMK regime. Vijay further claimed that he knew who was backing Veeramani and questioned whether there was an understanding between the DMK and AIADMK over the issue.
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“What was the deal, Tamil Nadu is asking. Stalin sir, open your mouth; joining hands with you, the AIADMK is also not opening its mouth; should there be collusion even in this issue, will you not open your mouth by having an understanding even in this matter,” PTI quoted CM Vijay.
He also accused the DMK of making political attacks against his party after failing to level allegations against the TVK government.
What Is The Veeramani POCSO Case?
Police arrested 84-year-old Veeramani on August 29 along with his associates Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan in connection with allegations of sexual offences against minor girls. The three were subsequently remanded in judicial custody.
The case originated from a 2025 complaint by an NGO volunteer after a pen drive containing alleged video evidence was handed over to the complainant. Investigators later identified Veeramani as the man allegedly seen in the footage.
Police have since recorded statements from identified survivors before a Judicial Magistrate. Investigators are also examining financial transactions and land transfers involving Veeramani and certain business entities as part of the probe into the alleged handling of evidence.
DMK Rejects Political Link
The DMK has rejected attempts to connect the case to the party. DMK president MK Stalin has demanded justice for the victims and maximum punishment for those found guilty, while arguing that allegations linking the case to the DMK were politically motivated.
DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan also said the police had registered an FIR and arrested the accused, arguing that the investigation should now proceed and that the court should determine punishment.
Union Minister L Murugan, meanwhile, has called for a fast-track court to ensure a speedy trial in the case.