A woman functionary of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) from Kaalampalayam near Karamadai in Coimbatore district has accused party’s Karamadai Union Secretary Karuppasamy of sexual harassment, caste-based abuse and intimidation, as reported in Vikatan.
Soumya, who has been serving as the party’s panchayat secretary for the past two-and-a-half years, has submitted complaints to the Coimbatore District Collector and the Superintendent of Police, seeking action against Karuppasamy.
In her complaint, Soumya alleged that Karuppasamy summoned her to the party office under the pretext of an emergency meeting. After the meeting concluded, he allegedly pressured her to stay back at the office and sexually harassed her. She said she was shocked by his behaviour, pushed him away and left the premises.
Soumya further alleged that after she refused to comply with his sexual advances, Karuppasamy began humiliating her by referring to her Scheduled Caste identity and pressuring her to quit the party.
She also accused him of discriminating against members of her community within the party and allegedly telling her that she could continue in the organisation only by paying money or yielding to his sexual demands.
According to Soumya, other party functionaries have also been verbally abusing and threatening her at Karuppasamy’s instigation.
She further alleged that she had previously lodged a police complaint but was intimidated into withdrawing it. Despite bringing the matter to the attention of senior party functionaries, no action had been taken, she claimed.
Soumya has demanded action against Karuppasamy over the alleged sexual harassment, caste-based discrimination and continued intimidation.
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