TVK leader arrested for sexually harassing student after offering lift in rain

A Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader in Kanyakumari has been arrested for sexually harassing a college student after offering her and her friend a lift in his car during heavy rain, police said.

The second-year postgraduate student had filed a complaint against Christopher, a member of the TVK central district executive committee, earlier this month.

The student alleged that while she and her friend, who study at the same college, were returning after college hours and waiting for a bus, Christopher stopped his car and offered to drop them at their destination.

The two women accepted the offer and got into the car as it was raining. According to the complaint, Christopher dropped the friend first and then continued the journey with the student, telling her that he was heading towards Kulashekaram anyway and would drop her there.

However, on the way, the TVK leader allegedly stopped the car midway and sexually harassed the student before fleeing the spot.

The student later informed her parents about the incident, following which a complaint was lodged. The police registered a case in connection with the alleged sexual harassment and initiated action against the accused.

The incident drew sharp criticism from the DMK and AIADMK, which attacked Chief Minister Joseph Vijay over the incident and called for swift action.

Commenting on Christopher's arrest, Minister CT Nirmal Kumar said that "a lot of people" had joined the party and that appropriate action would be taken.

"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 said.

He said the police were examining the evidence and that action would follow, as the TVK central district executive committee member had been arrested on charges of sexual assault.- Ends