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Natarajan claimed that the viral footage showed visible discomfort among some of the girls.
Complaint cites viral footage showing P. Viswanathan interacting with schoolgirls at a Yoga Day event in Madurai; seeks probe under child protection laws. (IMAGE: X)
A DMK legal wing member has sought action under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act against Tamil Nadu Higher Education Minister P. Viswanathan over a viral video showing him interacting with schoolgirls during a Yoga Day event in Madurai.
In a complaint submitted to police and child protection authorities, Chennai-based advocate Saranya Natarajan alleged that the minister’s actions were “deliberate” and “repeated” and called for registration of an FIR under relevant provisions of the POCSO Act.
What The Complaint Says
The complaint pertains to a June 21 event in Melur, Madurai, where Viswanathan attended a Yoga Day and anti-drug awareness programme.
According to the complaint, the minister was seen touching the legs, shoulders and other body parts of minor girls participating in the event. The complainant alleged that the acts were “not incidental or accidental, but deliberate and repeated in their character”.
Natarajan further claimed that the viral footage showed visible discomfort among some of the girls and urged authorities to initiate action under Sections 11 and 12 of the POCSO Act, besides preserving all electronic evidence related to the incident.
The complaint also sought action against those allegedly circulating videos that reveal the identities of minor children.
What Is Seen In The Viral Video?
The complaint follows outrage over videos from the event that have circulated widely on social media.
In the footage, Viswanathan can be seen interacting with girls participating in the programme, including touching and holding their feet and legs while speaking to them.
BJP Attacks Minister
The BJP seized on the controversy and demanded action against the minister.
BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla described the visuals as “unacceptable and shocking” and questioned whether Viswanathan should continue in office.
“Should they not sack him immediately?” Poonawalla said while reacting to the viral video.
No Response Yet
As the controversy intensified, opposition parties raised objections over the minister’s conduct. However, there was no immediate response from Viswanathan regarding the allegations contained in the complaint.
The matter has now been placed before police authorities, the Tamil Nadu Cyber Crime Wing and the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), with the complainant seeking registration of an FIR and a detailed investigation into the incident.
About the Author
Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has c…Read More
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