A Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader was arrested on Thursday for allegedly sexually harassing a college student near Thuckalay in Tamil Nadu's Kanyakumari district.
The accused, identified as Christopher, serves as a Central District Executive Committee member of the party.
TVK Leader Offered Lift During Heavy Rain
According to details provided by the Kanyakumari Police, the victim, a second-year MA student at a private college in Nagercoil, was waiting at a bus stop along with her friend, who is said to be associated with the TVK, when the rain began to fall.
Christopher, who was passing by in his car, offered them a lift to drop them home. After dropping the woman's friend first, the accused stopped the vehicle en route to the student's residence and allegedly sexually harassed her.
Upon returning home, the student informed her parents, following which a complaint was registered at the Thuckalay police station.
Police said Christopher was absconding after registration of the case and has now been arrested. A detailed investigation into the matter remains underway.
DMK, AIADMK Demand Action
The incident drew criticism from the DMK and AIADMK, with both parties targeting Chief Minister Joseph Vijay and demanding immediate action.
Speaking about Christopher's arrest, Minister CT Nirmal Kumar noted that the party has seen a large influx of new members.
"Many people have joined the party and are projecting themselves as TVK members. If anyone commits a mistake, the prescribed procedures will be followed, unlike under the DMK government," he was quoted as saying.
He said that law enforcement is examining the evidence and action would follow.
(With Inputs From ANI)