A sixth-standard girl from the Irular tribal community near Cheyyur in Chengalpattu district was allegedly sexually harassed by a local DMK unit functionary identified as Siva, according to a complaint filed at the All-Women Police Station in Melmaruvathur. The accused remains at large, with police yet to register a First Information Report (FIR) despite the complaint being received.
The incident is reported to have occurred on Wednesday when the girl, a minor, was on her way to school. Siva, who holds a position in the DMK’s local unit, allegedly intercepted her and sexually assaulted her. The girl subsequently disclosed the ordeal to her school headmaster, who promptly notified her family.
The case gained wider attention after a local social activist named Velu recorded a video statement from the girl and circulated it on social media. Rather than expediting action against the accused, police have launched an intensive search for Velu, who has since gone into hiding. Community members have condemned this prioritisation as an attempt to suppress the victim’s account. Members of the Irular Tribal Welfare Association in Kanchipuram have stepped in, taking the girl and her family to Kanchipuram for their safety.
As of the time of this report, no FIR has been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act against the accused DMK functionary, despite mandatory FIR provisions under POCSO requiring immediate registration upon any such complaint involving a minor.
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