Published May 06, 2026 | 1:10 PM ⚊ Updated May 06, 2026 | 1:10 PM
Representational image. Credit: iStock
Synopsis: A TVK functionary, Dinesh alias “Pambu” Dinesh, was arrested by Chennai police for sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl under the POCSO Act. The incident occurred on polling day, 23 April, in Kasimedu. After the child disclosed the abuse, police pursued and arrested him. His role as TVK ward secretary has sparked criticism against the party.
A functionary of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has been arrested by Chennai police on charges of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl under the provisions of the POCSO Act.
According to police sources, the minor girl from Mylapore had visited her relative’s house in Singaravelan Nagar in Kasimedu, which falls under the RK Nagar Assembly constituency, a few days ago.
Police said that on 23 April, the day polling was held in Tamil Nadu, the accused, identified as Dinesh alias “Pambu” Dinesh, allegedly took the child to his house while she was playing in the locality and sexually assaulted her. He is also accused of threatening to kill the girl if she revealed the incident to anyone.
After returning to Mylapore, the girl reportedly informed her aunt about the abuse, following which the family lodged a complaint at the Kasimedu police station on 3 May.
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As the case involved charges under the POCSO Act, it was transferred to the All Women Police Station. Police said attempts were made to arrest Dinesh on 4 May, but he could not be secured at the time as he had allegedly gone for election-related work in support of TVK’s RK Nagar candidate Mary Wilson.
Police arrested Dinesh on Tuesday night and remanded him to judicial custody.
Investigators said the accused is the 43rd ward secretary of TVK and had actively campaigned alongside Mary Wilson, who was elected as the MLA from RK Nagar constituency.
The incident has triggered criticism against the party, which had campaigned during the elections on issues relating to women’s and children’s safety.
(With inputs from Subash Chandra Bose)
