"Will stand with the victim to get justice legally": CM MK Stalin amid sexual assault controversy

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], January 8 (ANI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced that his government will stand with the victim of the Anna University alleged sexual assault case.

Stalin highlighted that the accused was arrested shortly after the incident to drive his message home, repeating the government's committment to get justice for the victim.

Speaking in the Tamil Nadu assembly during the first session of the new year, Stalin said, "Members have spoken here by mentioning one University's name. But I don't want to mention that name and don't want to defame that name. Because he only made us all. With that emotion, I am leaving aside that name. No one can accept what happened to a student in Chennai. Sexual assault on a student is cruel. Legislature members have spoken here on the issue. Except one, all have spoken here with real concern. This one member has spoken to show this government in a bad light...," Stalin remarked.

He also took a dig at the opposition for politicising the incident.

"This government has only one intention that it will stand with the victim to get justice legally. After the crime, if the accused was not arrested immediately or if the accused was saved, the government could have been blamed. Even after arresting the accused within a short period of time and collecting evidence, blaming the government only has political benefits," he said.

"Opposition asks who is that sir? If you really have evidence, please give that to the SIT that is investigating the case. Don't indulge in cheap activities for short-term political benefits," he asked the opposition.

CM Stalin reaffirmed his government's commitment towards the safety of women and said one incident can't be passed off to indicate that women are unsafe.

"This government has an iron fist on crimes against women. With this one incident, many are trying to show that women are unsafe. Definitely, this won't work among people," he said.

Various political parties have cornered the government on the Anna University alleged sexual assault case, accusing the DMK government of going slow on the case.

A second-year student of Anna University was allegedly sexually assaulted on the Anna University campus in December, Chennai Police had said. One person had been arrested in connection with the case.

In her December 23 complaint to police, the student alleged that an unidentified man had threatened and sexually assaulted her when she was talking to her friend on campus. (ANI)