The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday demanded strict and exemplary action against the perpetrators of the brutal sexual assault and murder of a 10-year-old girl in Coimbatore, while also criticizing the opposition for politicizing the tragedy.
The horrific incident, which has sent shockwaves across the state, saw the minor girl go missing on May 21 from the Sulur area. Her body was discovered the next day near Kannampalayam lake with visible injury marks .
BJP defends government amid opposition attack
BJP leader and party state general secretary Narayanan Thirupathy strongly condemned the crime and defended the newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government, while launching a counter-attack on the previous DMK administration.
“A heinous crime has taken place in Coimbatore where a 10-year-old child was abducted, sexually assaulted, murdered, and dumped—a profound tragedy,” Thirupathy said .
Taking a dig at the opposition, he highlighted that the Tamil Nadu Director General of Police Sandeep Rai Rathore had rushed to Coimbatore to oversee the investigation, indicating the seriousness with which the current administration is treating the case .
The BJP leader accused opposition parties of playing “dirty politics” over the incident rather than focusing on justice for the victim and ensuring safety for women and children.
Two accused arrested, POCSO invoked
Police have arrested two accused in the case: Karthik (33), the main accused who was a neighbor and acquaintance of the victim’s family, and Mohan (30), who allegedly assisted him .
Karthik has been booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, along with charges including murder . He allegedly lured the child, took her on his two-wheeler, sexually assaulted her, and then strangled her to death in a coconut grove near a pond .
When police teams surrounded him at an apartment complex in Kannampalayam, Karthik attempted to escape by jumping from the first floor, sustaining fractures in his right arm and leg. He is currently undergoing treatment at Coimbatore Medical College Hospital .
CM assures strict action
Chief Minister Vijay termed the incident “inhuman and unpardonable,” expressing deep shock and extending condolences to the grieving family .
“The Tamil Nadu government will firmly act to ensure that those who engage in such heinous acts against women and children receive severe punishment under the law. All immediate and necessary actions for this will be taken,” the Chief Minister posted on X .
Opposition criticism
The incident has sparked sharp criticism from opposition parties. DMK leader and Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin alleged that since the new TVK government assumed office, over 30 major incidents including sexual violence have made headlines, casting serious doubts on the state’s law and order .
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami accused the government of being a “reels government” rather than a “real government,” demanding effective protection systems for women and children .
Senior officers to review case
West Zone Inspector General of Police R.V. Ramya Bharathi confirmed that senior officers will arrive for a preliminary review of the case in view of its sensitivity . The National Commission for Women has also taken cognizance and sought an Action Taken Report from the Tamil Nadu DGP within seven days .
