DMK Under Fire After Functionary Booked For Rape in Tamil Nadu's Villupuram

This special report focuses on a DMK functionary, Thiru Vakarai Bhaskaran, from Villupuram district who has been booked for rape and blackmail. The victim alleges she was sexually assaulted and then blackmailed for six months. Following the registration of an FIR, the AIADMK and BJP have strongly criticised the DMK government. AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami stated that 'political power has emboldened individuals like Bhaskaran, all owing them to intimidate women without fear of the law'. Tamil Nadu BJP President N. Nagendran questioned why the Chief Minister's party is shielding sexual offenders, adding that the predatory behavior of DMK cadres is now exposed. The DMK has not yet issued a response to the allegations or the political attacks.