News Tamil Nadu

Woman Journalist Latha Allegedly Manhandled At TN Secretariat, Dravidianist Media Silent, ADMK Gen Secy Edappadi K. Palaniswami Slams DMK Govt

September 13, 2024
The Commune

Journalist Latha, who reported on poor conditions in Adi Dravidar student hostels, was allegedly threatened by a government official during an interview at the Secretariat, sparking outrage. Latha was reportedly told she could face charges under the SC/ST Act and was forced out of the office.

In response, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami condemned the DMK government, accusing it of failing to protect women journalists and demanding that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin be held accountable for the intimidation.

AIADMK Slams DMK Over Women’s Safety

AIADMK General Secretary and Tamil Nadu Opposition Leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami condemned the ruling DMK government, asserting that it offers no protection for women journalists. He demanded that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin be held accountable for the ongoing atrocities occurring under his watch.

It is alleged that a Tamil news channel journalist Latha was summoned by the Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department at the Secretariat to explain a recent report she made on poor conditions in student hostels. During the interview with Lakshmi Priya IAS, Secretary of the Adi Dravidar Welfare Department, it was announced that the hostels would be renovated within three months. However, Latha pressed the issue, questioning why students should endure conditions for an additional three months. During the interview, Latha was allegedly threatened by district-level official Vetrichelvan, who said, “Who gave you permission to visit the hostel? I will file a case against you under the SC/ST Act,” and subsequently forced her out of the Secretary’s office.

The original video published by the Tamil news channel has been removed from all social media platforms, and major media outlets have not covered the issue.

Tamil Nadu Opposition Leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami condemned the situation, stating, “There is no protection for women journalists in Tamil Nadu – Chief Minister M.K. Stalin Must Respond. As news surfaced about the situation in Adi Dravidar student hostels, the Secretary of the Adi Dravidar Welfare Department at the Chief Secretariat called journalist Latha to explain it but have threatened her and sent her out of the office. This incident exposes the double standards of the DMK government, which talks a lot about social justice and women’s empowerment.”

“While Adi Dravidar Welfare Secretary Lakshmi Priya IAS have called her to the Secretariat for an interview, and the news that in the middle of the interview, the female journalist Latha was threatened by a government official Vethichelvan and forced out of the secretary’s room is shocking.” He added.

“It is the height of fascism for the DMK government to threaten the media, the fourth pillar of democracy, in the name of the Prevention of Atrocities Act, which brought out the reality of the Adi Dravidar Student Hostel to the people. Is this how a female journalist is treated in the honourable chief secretariat under the DMK regime?” He questioned

“I urge DMK Chief Minister to take strict action against the government officials and the department secretary who threatened the woman journalist and give up the attempts to suppress the media with pride of power. Also, Chief Minister @mkstalin should provide an answer to the fact that the officials threatening to file a case under the Prevention of Atrocities Act against journalist Latha, who went to collect news for the welfare of students in Adi Dravidars in the chief secretariat itself. My strong condemnation of the DMK Chief Minister who only talks about “Press freedom” and “freedom of expression” and tries to suppress and intimidate the media. “ He further added.

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