India
College Student Accuses TVK Functionary Of Sexual Assault, Seeks Complaint Withdrawal A Day Later
By: News18 India
Published: 24 October 2026
Photo / Illustration: Haldwani Times News Desk
<p>A college student in Tamil Nadu’s Kanniyakumari district has accused a functionary of the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) of sexual assault. However, a day after filing the complaint, she submitted a written request seeking its withdrawal and asking the police not to take action against the accused, triggering allegations of intimidation.</p>
<p>According to the police, the incident occurred on Thursday when the student and her college friend were waiting for a bus amid heavy rain. The accused, identified as Christopher, stopped his car and offered them a ride, as he knew the friend.</p>
<p>After dropping the friend off first, Christopher allegedly offered to take the survivor home. During the journey, he allegedly misbehaved with her and sexually assaulted her, police said.</p>
<p>No arrest has been made so far, and the investigation is ongoing, police confirmed.</p>
<p>The case took a new turn the following day when the student submitted a written request seeking to withdraw her complaint and asking that “no action be taken against him", according to the police.</p>
<p>The development prompted allegations that ruling party functionaries had used money, influence and intimidation to pressure the survivor into withdrawing her complaint and preventing action against the accused. However, these allegations have not been independently established.</p>
<p>The case has triggered political criticism of the ruling TVK, with opposition leaders questioning the party’s response to the allegations against its functionary.</p>
<p>DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi questioned Chief Minister Vijay over the action he would take against the accused, alleging that TVK had become a “haven for criminals and sexual offenders".</p>
<p>She also called for the survivor to be provided protection and demanded impartial legal action against the accused. Kanimozhi warned that if the government failed to act, the DMK would join the public in a democratic protest.</p>
<p>The DMK women’s wing also posted on X about alleged crimes against women involving TVK functionaries, calling for women to be protected from the ruling party.</p>
<p>AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Sathyan also criticised the ruling party over the allegations.</p>
<p>“Increasingly, in so many of the recent cases of rape and molestation, TVK functionaries are involved. The lawmakers and the lawbreakers coming from the same party is worrying," he said.</p>
<p>TVK leaders and spokespersons refrained from commenting on the allegations. However, a party leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the legal process would continue and that the party would take action against the accused.</p>
<p>“The law will certainly take its course. We have nothing to say if the survivor wants to withdraw the case. The party will take strict action against the accused, and we have done it in the past," the leader said.</p>
<p>A college student and her friend were waiting for a bus in heavy rain when TVK functionary Christopher offered them a ride in his car. After dropping the friend off, he allegedly took the survivor toward her home, misbehaved with her, and sexually assaulted her.</p>
<p>A day after filing the complaint, the student submitted a written request to withdraw it and asked police to take no action against Christopher. This sudden reversal triggered widespread allegations that ruling party functionaries had used money, influence, and intimidation to pressure her.</p>
<p>The case sparked heavy political criticism, with DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi questioning Chief Minister Vijay over actions against the accused and labeling TVK a haven for criminals. AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Sathyan also slammed the ruling party, noting concerns that lawmakers and lawbreakers belong to the same party.</p>
