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Woman Gets Sexually Assaulted In Anna University, DMK Man Found To Be Perpetrator, But Dravidianist Media Debates On ADMK Internal Issues

The Commune

The Dravidianist media in Tamil Nadu, which often serves as unofficial mouthpieces for the ruling DMK party, has once again gone into full damage-control mode in response to the backlash surrounding the sexual harassment case at Anna University. The incident, which involves harassment by two unidentified individuals on the campus, has sparked significant public outrage. The ruling DMK initially showed no response, but only took action after pressure from the opposition, particularly TN BJP chief Annamalai, who raised concerns over the need for a thorough investigation and accountability for those involved.

On 25 December 2024, the media reports were dominated by various aspects of the case, including the failure of on-campus CCTV surveillance due to rain and the police’s inability to make any headway. In a surprising turn, a special team reportedly arrested a street vendor operating a biryani stall, who was alleged to be involved in the incident.

Additionally, it has come to light that the accused Gnanasekaran is a repeat offender and a DMK functionary. Pictures circulating on social media show him alongside several prominent DMK leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and Minister Ma. Subramanian.

Whenever incidents like this occur in Tamil Nadu, prime time debates typically focus on the latest hot topics, with the Dravidian media often using these platforms to shift the narrative. However, instead of discussing the growing issue of sexual harassment in the state, these media outlets, which act as unofficial mouthpieces for the DMK, prefer to focus on irrelevant matters. For instance, they will frequently bring up violence or rape cases from BJP-ruled states like Uttar Pradesh or Manipur, or even controversial cases like Bilkis Banu’s from Gujarat, to target the BJP government. But, when it comes to local issues, particularly the rising incidents of sexual harassment, these media outlets remain conspicuously silent. Instead, senior journalists, aligned with the DMK, are preoccupied with outdated debates, like the “possible split” within the AIADMK or the dispute over the “Two Leaves” symbol—issues that are long past their prime.

Below is a list of prime-time debate topics from the Dravidian media on 25the December, and it was striking to see that all of them focused on the same subject. Even more notable was the participation of prominent leaders from the DMK allies, giving the impression of a sudden, coordinated “toolkit activation.”

News18 Tamil Nadu, for instance, led with the headline, “TTV invites AIADMK to join alliance. Jayakumar says TTV surrendered. Who is stepping down? Who is showing commitment? Don’t miss it on News18 TV tonight at 7:50 PM.”

Puthiya Thalaimurai, another Dravidianist media outlet, framed its debate with the title, “Two Leaves in Trouble.”

In the debate, Thaniyarau leader from Tamil Nadu Kongu Ilaingar Peravai participated and made provocative statements targeting the AIADMK.

Another Dravidian media outlet, News7, hosted a debate stating, “What Will Happen to the Two Leaves Symbol?” In this discussion, Thaniyarau the leader from Tamil Nadu Kongu Ilaingar Peravai also participated.

Another Dravidian media outlet, Thanthi Tv, hosted a debate stating, “Approaching elections: Danger for the two leaves? Tonight at 8 pm..!”

Another instance of biased reporting was evident when the media outlets amplified the comments of the DMK’s Higher Education Minister, G. Chezhian, who criticized TN BJP president Annamalai. However, they failed to report the key point raised by Annamalai, which was that the accused in the sexual harassment case had alleged ties to the DMK. Annamalai released photos showing the accused standing with DMK Health Minister Ma Subramanian and DMK scion, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, yet this crucial detail was largely overlooked by these media outlets.

Such behavior reflects the sorry state of media in Tamil Nadu today. Whenever the DMK faces severe criticism from the opposition, these media houses deflect attention and divert the public discourse away from the truth. This diversion is nothing short of shameful, especially in the name of journalism.

These actions underline a sad reality; the fourth pillar of democracy has crumbled under the weight of political power dynamics. The media, instead of serving the people by presenting the truth and allowing them to make informed choices, is now at the mercy of a ruling party that is more focused on advancing a particular ideology than on upholding the principles of impartiality and truth.

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