Demand for CBI or CID probe into Salem sexual harassment case; statement by CPI leader.

M. Veerapandian, the State Secretary of the Communist Party of India (CPI), has appealed to the Tamil Nadu government to hand over the investigation into the sexual exploitation of women in Salem to either the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or the Crime Investigation Department (CID). Describing the incident as grave, he noted that multiple women have been victimized and emphasized the need for a thorough investigation.

The case originates from Salem, Tamil Nadu, where a man named Manikandan allegedly lured impoverished women with the promise of loans and forced them into prostitution. He reportedly recorded obscene videos of the victims and used them to blackmail more than 50 women. The revelation of this incident has sparked concern and outrage in the area.

In his statement, M. Veerapandian described the incident as shocking and highlighted the serious crimes committed against the victims. While acknowledging that the police have arrested the prime accused, Manikandan, he expressed apprehension that others might also be involved in the network.

He argued that a single arrest would not reveal the full truth, making an impartial and comprehensive investigation essential. Consequently, he urged the state government to entrust the probe to the CBI or CID to ensure that all perpetrators—regardless of their status—are identified and severely punished.

Veerapandian also noted that the state government had recently constituted a special task force named the ‘Singappen Special Task Force’ to bolster women’s safety. He suggested expanding the scope of this task force’s operations to effectively curb crimes against women and ensure timely justice for victims.

He emphasized that ensuring women’s safety is a primary responsibility of the government and called for both swift action and a robust monitoring system in such cases. He added that an independent and impartial investigation would increase the likelihood of the victims receiving justice. There is intense discussion about this incident at the local level, and people are demanding strict action from the administration. Given the sensitivity of the matter, pressure is also mounting at the political level for an investigation.