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Chennai, November 3 (IANS) AIADMK general secretary and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Monday launched a scathing attack on the DMK government after the brutal gang rape of a college student near Coimbatore airport, calling it the “degeneration of women’s safety” under Chief Minister MK Stalin’s administration.
The horrific incident took place late on the night of November 2, when three men allegedly abducted a college student who was talking to his male friend near the Coimbatore International Airport.
According to police reports, the gang assaulted the man, abducted the woman and sexually assaulted her before dropping her behind a private college.
The victim was rescued by the police on the morning of November 3 and admitted to a private hospital for treatment. The case has sparked widespread outrage across Tamil Nadu, with opposition parties demanding speedy justice and raising questions over the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.
In a strongly worded post, Palaniswami said the incident has shaken public confidence in the state’s policing system. “This shocking crime raises a serious question – does Tamil Nadu still have a functioning police force under the DMK government?”. he asked.
Accusing the ruling party of gross negligence, Palaniswami said, “Women’s safety has been completely weakened under the Stalin model of governance. During the AIADMK rule, Tamil Nadu was one of the safest states in India for women. Under my leadership, Chennai stood first among major cities, and Coimbatore topped the list of urban centers for women’s safety.”
Recalling her earlier initiative of distributing pepper spray, torches and other safety kits to women at the AIADMK headquarters, she said it was aimed at empowering women at a time when “they could not trust the DMK government for their safety”.
Palaniswami urged Chief Minister MK Stalin to ensure the immediate arrest of the three accused and guarantee that they receive the strictest punishment under the law.
“It is the responsibility of the chief minister, who controls the police department, to deliver justice and restore confidence in the safety of women,” she said.
Peelamedu police have formed special teams and an intensive search for the criminals is underway.
–IANS
AL/DPB