Chennai ministers from Tamil Nadu Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday demanded strict action against the culprits behind the 10-year-old girl who was sexually assaulted and murdered in Coimbatore, triggering outrage across Tamil Nadu.
On Sunday, the Tamil Nadu government led by Transport Minister A Vijay Tamilan Parthiban along with his cabinet colleague Sampath Kumar (Backward Classes Minister) visited the family in Salem on Sunday and presented a sum of money. $7 thousand for the bereaved family members.
The Prime Minister described the incident as “horrific” and such “inhuman” and “unforgivable” criminal acts cannot be tolerated. “I share my deepest condolences with the girl’s family,” he said in a social media post on Saturday.
Interacting with the victim’s family members, Transport Minister A Vijay Tamilan Parthipan said that the biggest loss has happened to Tamil Nadu.
“The Prime Minister has expressed deep regret and also made a statement. Such an incident should not happen in Tamil Nadu. We will bring them back to remand quickly and severe punishment will be imposed on them,” he said.
“This government is for the people. As soon as possible, whatever quick action is required (against those involved in the crime), he (Vijay) will do it,” he said in an appeal to the family members.
Meanwhile, BJP leader and Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L Murugan along with BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit president Nainar Nagendran met the family members and extended their condolences to them.
“We have assured the parents of the child that the BJP will stand firm in taking swift action against those involved in this incident and ensure they get maximum punishment.”
Later, speaking to reporters, Nagendran demanded that the Tamil Nadu government provide financial assistance $1 crore will be given to the victim’s family.
Former BJP Tamil Nadu unit president Tamilisai Sundararajan has asked the government to intensify efforts for the safety of women under the state government’s ambitious Singapingal Brigade plan. “My opinion is that the prime minister should take intensive measures immediately,” she said.
The former Telangana governor also appealed to the families of the girls in Tamil Nadu to ensure their safety whenever they step out of the house.
“I often tell mothers, instead of raising their children with strict discipline, raise them by monitoring them closely. Monsters (perpetrators who target women) are roaming the country. So, whenever you send a girl child to a shop make sure it is safe for them. I humbly request you.”
According to the police, five special teams were formed and work intensified to track down the child. CCTV footage from the area has been scanned and technology has been deployed to assist in the investigation. During the investigation, it was confirmed that K. Karthi, 33, a native of Nagapattinam district and an acquaintance of the victim’s family, lured the child and took him away.
Later, the main accused and his accomplice were arrested from their hideout in a residential complex. Opposition leaders – DMK’s Udhayanidhi Stalin, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, AMMK president TTV Dhinakaran and PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss strongly condemned the crime and demanded strict action.
