The incident has sparked a political firestorm, with leaders from opposition parties lashing out at the ruling DMK government over law-and-order concerns
Published Jan 30, 2025 | 11:58 AM ⚊ Updated Jan 30, 2025 | 11:58 AM
Chennai ECR road harassment case sparks political outrage and more
A recent case of harassment and assault against a woman traveling along the East Coast Road (ECR) has triggered widespread condemnation, with political leaders demanding stringent action.
According to the press release given out by the Tamil Nadu police, on 26 January, a resident of Kovilambakkam, filed a complaint at the Chromepet Police Station, detailing the terrifying ordeal she faced. She reported that around 2:00 AM on 25 January, while traveling in her car near Muttukadu, two vehicles (TN-75-E-6004 and TN-09-BR-9988) intercepted her, forcing her to stop. A group of 7-8 men allegedly harassed her.
Fearing for her safety, she managed to drive away and reach home. However, the same group later followed her to Kovilambakkam, blocked her vehicle, physically assaulted her, and vandalised her car before fleeing. When she refused to settle the matter privately, the perpetrators reportedly issued threats.
A case was subsequently registered under Crime No. 16/2025 at Chromepet Police Station under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 126(2), 296(b), 324(2), and 351(2), along with Section 4 of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act.
Ravi (name changed) an IT professional from Chennai said to South First, “The fact that the car had a DMK flag on it makes this all the more outrageous. It’s not just about random criminals anymore—it’s about people thinking they can get away with anything just because they have political backing. If no one is questioning this, it means the problem is much deeper than just one incident.”
Meena, a post graduate college student said, “As a woman who frequently drives through ECR, I can say that being followed, honked at aggressively, and even blocked on the road is nothing new. It’s terrifying that no one seems to care until something serious happens. The police say they’re investigating, but I wonder if we’ll ever see real action.”
Ajayan, a resident of Puducherry recalls an incident when he travelled to Chennai and said, “There have been so many cases of drunk men in fancy cars creating trouble on ECR according to my knowledge. My sister and her friends were cat called near the Beach just few months back by a group of men who were completely wasted.”
Keerthana (name changed), a resident from Velachery said, “If a woman driving alone late at night can be attacked this easily, imagine how many cases go unreported. ECR is infamous for such incidents—many of us have had similar experiences, whether it’s being followed by drunk groups or being harassed at signals. The problem is, it just keeps getting worse, and no one in power seems to care.”
Keerthana also added, “There are several narratives of the story and it’s annoying that the women are always the one to be questioned rather than the culprits themselves.”
The incident has sparked a political firestorm, with leaders from opposition parties lashing out at the ruling DMK government over law-and-order concerns.
AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam strongly condemned the attack, stating, “It is disturbing to watch videos of men in a vehicle carrying a DMK flag chasing and threatening a woman. Tamil Nadu is turning into a land of violence under this government. Women are now questioning whether they are truly safe in this state.” He further criticised the government, alleging that “Despite repeated incidents, the DMK government has failed to ensure the safety of women. One cannot help but wonder if they are protecting criminals instead of punishing them.”
சென்னை, கிழக்கு கடற்கரை சாலையில், அதிகாலையில் பெண்கள் சென்று கொண்டிருந்த காரை தி.மு.க. கொடி கட்டிய வாகனத்தில் சென்றவர்கள் துரத்திச் சென்று வழிமறித்து அந்தப் பெண்களிடம் ஆபாசமாக பேசியதாகவும், பெண்களை காரை விட்டு இறங்குமாறு மிரட்டியதாகவும் வெளியாகியுள்ள வீடியோ காட்சியை…
— O Panneerselvam (@OfficeOfOPS) January 29, 2025
Similarly, AMMK General Secretary TTV Dhinakaran issued a scathing statement, questioning Chief Minister MK Stalin’s governance. “A group of intoxicated men in a DMK-flagged vehicle has been caught on video harassing a young woman on ECR Road. This is unacceptable. The increasing involvement of DMK members and their supporters in crimes ranging from drug trafficking to harassment of women raises serious concerns.”
He further added, “Despite the implementation of stricter laws against crimes against women and children, members of the ruling party and their associates continue to act with impunity. The government must take immediate action to apprehend the culprits and strengthen police presence in high-risk areas.”
திமுக கொடி கட்டிய காரில் வந்து இளம்பெண்ணிடம் ரகளை செய்த மதுபோதைக் கும்பல் – முதலமைச்சர் திரு மு.க.ஸ்டாலின் அவர்கள் திமுகவினருக்கும், திமுகவின் அனுதாபிகளுக்கும் சர்வாதிகாரியாக மாறுவது எப்போது ?
சென்னை கிழக்கு கடற்கரை சாலையில் குடும்பத்தினருடன் நின்று கொண்டிருந்த இளம்பெண்…
— TTV Dhinakaran (@TTVDhinakaran) January 29, 2025
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
