Chennai, May 25 (IANS) AMMK General Secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran on Monday criticised the Tamil Nadu government over the safety of women and children following reports of the alleged sexual assault of an 11-year-old girl in Villupuram district.

He urged Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to give greater attention to public safety and take stronger measures to prevent crimes against women and minors.

In a statement, Dhinakaran referred to media reports which stated that a person had been arrested in connection with the alleged sexual assault of an 11-year-old girl from the Vandipalayam area near Marakkanam in Villupuram district.

According to the reports, the incident has shocked local residents and renewed concerns over the safety of children in the state.

The AMMK leader said the incident has emerged at a time when Tamil Nadu is already witnessing widespread concern and anger over crimes involving women and children.

He pointed out that before the public outrage over the recent Coimbatore incident had even subsided, another disturbing case had surfaced. Dhinakaran referred to the recent case near Sulur in Coimbatore district, where a 10-year-old girl was allegedly abducted, sexually assaulted and brutally murdered, triggering strong reactions from political parties and the public across Tamil Nadu.

He said repeated incidents of such nature have raised serious questions about the effectiveness of measures aimed at protecting women and children.

Questioning the government’s response, Dhinakaran recalled Chief Minister Vijay’s earlier comments and promises regarding women’s safety.

He said Vijay had previously expressed strong concern over crimes against women and had publicly projected himself as someone who would stand as a protector for women and girls.

The AMMK leader questioned why the Chief Minister appeared silent now when incidents involving women and children continued to be reported across the state.

He said governments should move beyond expressing condolences and focus on creating stronger preventive mechanisms.

Dhinakaran further urged the Chief Minister to ensure that the accused in the Villupuram case receives the maximum punishment under the law and called for greater attention towards the protection of children and women. He added that ensuring public safety should remain among the government’s highest priorities.

–IANS

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