Anna University sexual assault: Anbumani Ramadoss condemns arrest of women cadre during PMK protest

Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) president Anbumani Ramadoss on Thursday (January 2, 2024) condemned the arrest of Pasumai Thaayagam president Sowmiya Anbumani and the cadre of the party’s women wing for attempting to stage a protest demanding justice for the survivor in the Anna University sexual assault case and seeking women safety in Tamil Nadu.

Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) president Anbumani Ramadoss on Thursday (January 2, 2024) condemned the arrest of Pasumai Thaayagam president Sowmiya Anbumani and the cadre of the party’s women wing for attempting to stage a protest demanding justice for the survivor in the Anna University sexual assault case and seeking women safety in Tamil Nadu.

Ms. Sowmiya and members of the PMK women’s wing attempted to stage a demonstration near Valluvar Kottam in Chennai, for which the police had denied permission.

In a statement, Mr. Anbumani said there was no justification for their arrest, and accused the police of stifling the PMK’s protest. If the same number of police personnel, deployed in Vallur Kottam, was stationed at Anna University, then the sexual assault incident would not have taken place, he said.

“Instead of focusing on arresting those who protest, the State government should focus on ensuring the safety of women. If that is not ensured, the MK Stalin-led government should step down,” Mr. Anbumani said.

He alleged that under the DMK regime, crimes against women have risen. The State government must bring to book everyone involved in the assault case and take measures to ensure maximum punishment for them, Mr. Anbumani said.