Tamil Nadu, under Chief Minister M. Stalin’s much-hyped “Dravida Model” Social Justice government, continues to reel under a disturbing wave of sexual assaults on children, with no signs of effective intervention. Despite being projected as a “role model” for other states, the administration is increasingly being accused of systemic apathy and political interference. Allegations have surfaced that police often act to appease those in power, neglecting their basic duties and refusing to register FIRs in several cases. The recent custodial death of Ajith Kumar, which invited sharp rebuke from the court, has only reinforced concerns over lawlessness and the breakdown of accountability under DMK rule.
Attack on 8-year-old girl in Chennai
In Chennai’s Nungambakkam, an 8-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted by an Armed Police Sub-Inspector (SI), identified as Raji, after being injected with an anaesthetic. A case has now been registered under the POCSO Act. According to a complaint filed by the child’s family, the incident took place two nights prior when the girl was playing near her home and suddenly went missing. Her father and grandmother found her unconscious at the residence of SI Raji on Erikkarai Street. Upon regaining consciousness, the child reportedly stated that the sub-inspector had “misbehaved with her.” The family alleged she was sexually assaulted after being drugged. Initially, officers at the Nungambakkam police station refused to register the complaint, leading to protests by the girl’s relatives on the night of 30 June 2025. After intervention, police promised action and sent the family for medical examination.
Schoolteacher assaults 21 girl students
In the Nilgiris district, a male teacher identified as M. Senthilkumar (aged 50) was arrested on July 3 under the POCSO Act. He stands accused of sexually assaulting at least 21 girl students at a government school near Ooty. The issue surfaced during a personal safety awareness programme conducted by the Ooty rural sub-division police on July 2. A Year IV student first raised allegations, which were soon echoed by others. Students from Classes 7, 8 and 10, aged between 13 and 15, also submitted written complaints via the school’s complaint box. Senthilkumar, who has 23 years of teaching experience across Tamil Nadu, was posted at this school only recently.
Assault on 16 years old girl
Another horrific case has been reported involving a 16-year-old girl, allegedly raped over six years by her paternal uncle. The girl is now four months pregnant. It is further alleged that Red Hills police inspector Barani helped the accused escape from custody.
On 3 July, Justice P. Velmurugan of the Madras High Court came down heavily on Tamil Nadu Police in a related sexual assault case, asking whether the state is governed by the rule of law or is functioning as a police state. The judge summoned R. Parthiban, 18th Metropolitan Magistrate of Saidapet, for an explanation on why the victim’s statement had not yet been recorded. “The police are making the courts complicit in their fraud. Such actions by the police force are condemnable. Why are you harassing the victim — a woman from Delhi who came to record her statement? Even criminals are not treated this way,” the judge remarked. He criticised the police for refusing to operate within legal bounds, adding, “They behave with arrogance. If this continues, the police force may become irrelevant.”
The case concerns a 28-year-old woman from Chennai who lodged a complaint at the Mylapore All-Women Police Station in April. In her complaint, she alleged that whilst working in Delhi, she had entered into a relationship with a man who, exploiting her financial vulnerability, promised to marry her. She claimed he forced her into a sexual relationship, which led to pregnancy, and later coerced her into having an abortion. She also accused him of defrauding her of Rs12 lakh.
Church Pastor assaulting young married women Kanyakumari
In Kanyakumari, police arrested a Pentecostal church pastor for allegedly attempting to sexually assault a young married woman under the pretence of spiritual healing. The pastor, identified as Regimon, reportedly told her, “Your health issues stem from your relationship with your husband. If you sleep with a prophet like me, you will be cured.” The victim, a resident of Thuckalay, had visited the Full Gospel Pentecostal Church in the Mekkamandapam area. During a private prayer session, Regimon allegedly embraced her and attempted to assault her. She managed to escape and filed a complaint at the Thuckalay police station. Pastor Regimon was arrested on 26 June 2025 and placed in judicial custody.
Church Pastor assaulting minor boys
On 17 June, Yesudas, an assistant to a Church Father in Chennai’s Ambattur area, was arrested under the POCSO Act for alleged sexual assault involving three minor boys. The incident came to light when one of the victim’s fathers, after finding changes in his behaviour, followed secretly and was shocked to find that his son was accompanying Yesudas to an OYO hotel room. The accused is said to have engaged in sexual activities with the three teenage boys aged between 14 and 15 over a period of five months. Police said the boys, who are cousins, regularly visited the church. The three boys were students at the Sunday school classes conducted by the church.
Death of 13 year old boy
A 13-year-old boy who had gone missing on the evening of 2 July was found dead with froth at the mouth and a cut on the leg near Anchetti the next afternoon. According to police sources, during the interrogation, P Madevan said he was in love with a girl.
பொதுமக்கள் அமைதியாக வாழ்வதற்கு வழியற்ற அபாயகர பகுதியாக மாறிக் கொண்டிருக்கிறது தமிழ்நாடு!!
வேறொன்றும் சொல்வதற்கில்லை… pic.twitter.com/SE6BrZ0pTa
— Vinoj P Selvam (@VinojBJP) July 3, 2025
On Wednesday evening, they (Rohith, P Madevan and M Madevan) were talking near a hairpin bend in a car. At that time, Rohith had an exchange with P Madevan over the latter’s lover and threatened to tell villagers what he had seen. Enraged by this, both Madevans smothered the boy to death and pushed his body out of the car and returned to the village.
