Published Sep 25, 2026 | 2:34 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 25, 2026 | 2:34 PM
Tamil Nadu Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin. (File Photo)
An alleged sexual assault of a government schoolgirl near Vandalur has triggered a political controversy in Tamil Nadu. The incident was reported on September 24 in the jurisdiction of the Tambaram City Police, with the complaint relating to a government school in Kandigai village.
According to the police, an FIR was registered immediately, and the investigation was taken up by a woman inspector under the supervision of senior women police officers.
Police said CCTV footage from and around the school, the child’s medical examination, witness statements and other scientific evidence were examined.
Based on the investigation so far, no material has emerged to establish that the alleged incident took place inside the government school, though the investigation is continuing, according to the police.
Reacting to the incident, Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin criticised the TVK government over the safety of girls in schools. He questioned the government’s promised measures for women’s safety and alleged that the incident was being suppressed because of the upcoming Maduranthakam by-election.
Twenty-seven candidates are in the fray for the by-election that is being held on October 6. The Maduranthakam seat had fallen vacant after AIADMK MLA Maragatham Kumaravel resigned and joined the TVK. She is contesting on a TVK ticket this time around.
Dharapuram is also witnessing a by-poll after the AIADMK MLA there switched over to the TVK. The two contests have been described as an early electoral test for the four-month-old TVK government.
Udhayanidhi alleged that the police and officials were attempting to portray the incident in a questionable light and claimed that the girl’s parents were being prevented from speaking publicly about the matter. He demanded proper medical treatment and justice for the student, strict action against those responsible and stronger security measures in all school campuses.
He also warned the government against attempting to suppress the incident ahead of the by-election.
In its statement, the Tambaram City Police Commissionerate said the case was registered immediately after the complaint and that the investigation was conducted under the supervision of senior women officers.
The police said that the evidence collected and verified so far, including the child’s statement, has not established that the alleged incident occurred inside the government school. However, the investigation remains underway.
Police have appealed to the public and media not to circulate unverified information in the interest of protecting the child.
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(With inputs from Subash Chandra Bose. Edited by R Rajesh Kumar.)
