Reports have surfaced from Narikudi in Virudhunagar district alleging that senior police officials attempted to coerce a young woman into withdrawing her complaint against Abdul Aziz, the moulvi of the local Jumma Masjid, who stands accused of sexual assault and stabbing.
Local sources told Organiser that the incident has triggered mounting tensions in the region, with fears that the situation could escalate into a communal flashpoint due to the alleged involvement of top district police officers and the presence of Muslim men during official interactions with the victim’s family.
Incident at the Masjid
According to residents familiar with the matter, a 24-year-old woman from the Christian Nadar community had visited the Jumma Masjid in Narikudi on 21 November with her baby, seeking holy water to ward off evil influences. She was reportedly sexually harassed by Abdul Aziz, the hazrat of the masjid and a resident of Veeracholan village. When she resisted his advances, he allegedly stabbed her multiple times. The injured woman managed to escape and alert her husband and in-laws.
Following a complaint, police arrested Aziz and registered Crime No. 166/2025 at the Narikudi police station under sections 64(1) read with 62, 296(b), 118(1), and 351(3) of the BNS.
Growing Local Anger
Members of the Hindu Munnani are reportedly preparing to petition the Virudhunagar Superintendent of Police, while local residents have circulated details of the assault on WhatsApp groups, calling it a crime committed inside a place of worship.
Condemning the incident, TN BJP chief Nainar Nagendran, in a post on X, said, “in Tamil Nadu sexual assaults are happening from Schools to holy places like Dargah, it shows the culprits never seriously attach importance to CM and the police force under his command… There have been sexual assaults cases against Abdul Aziz and how he was appointed to such a holy post is still baffling. The incident sent shock waves in Virudhunagar district but the men and women in DMK, its allies are keeping silent. Are afraid of losing Muslims votes if they voice? or Are there any involvement of any ‘Sir” like Anna University case ? The DMK government that gives sermons to opposition, social justice and communal harmony should approach this issue without making any compromise and ensure maximum sentence to the perpetrator. It should also help the victim getting justice.”
திமுக ஆட்சியில் பள்ளி முதல் பள்ளிவாசல் வரை பல்லிளிக்கும் பெண்களின் பாதுகாப்பு!
விருதுநகர் மாவட்டம் நரிக்குடி ஒன்றியத்தில் உள்ள தர்காவில் அஸ்ரத் ஆக நியமிக்கப்பட்டுள்ள அப்துல் அஜீஸ் என்பவர் கடந்த வெள்ளிக்கிழமை அன்று புனித நீர் தெளிப்பதற்காகக் குழந்தையுடன் தர்காவிற்கு வந்த பெண்ணைப்… pic.twitter.com/7BzKYLd02y
— Nainar Nagenthran (@NainarBJP) November 22, 2025
Alleged Intimidation by Police
Multiple videos accessed by Organiser, reportedly recorded at the victim’s residence, appear to show senior police officers arguing with her family, insisting that they “cooperate” and lower the temperature around the case. Shouts of “We need justice” can be heard in the background.
Family members alleged that police visited the home repeatedly despite the victim still being hospitalised with stab wounds. According to locals, officers insisted on “settling” the matter while Muslim men stood by, a presence that angered several members of the victim’s community.
In one video, a family member is heard telling police that no namaz or prayers would be allowed in the masjid until the issue is resolved. Another clip reportedly captures Muslim men stating that they “cannot keep the area uncleaned for a week” and asking officials to act quickly, though they claimed they were “not supporting the accused”.
Tensions escalated further when a relative of the victim attempted self-immolation in protest against the police intervention. Officers overpowered and took situation under control. Local sources said the attempt reflected the level of frustration and the perception that the police were siding with the mosque authorities.
The case took a more serious turn on 27 November, when locals alleged that evidence inside the masjid, including bloodstains on mats and the floor, was cleaned in the presence of police personnel. Videos circulating locally appear to show water being used to wash the area despite the ongoing investigation.
Residents accused the authorities of destroying material evidence before forensic examination, claiming that the masjid was cleaned abruptly because there was pressure to reopen it for prayers.
Local community members believe the administration is attempting to downplay the incident due to political calculations. According to them, the ruling establishment does not want to antagonise Muslim groups, who are seen as a consolidated vote bank, especially when Christian Nadars are perceived as drifting towards the BJP, AIADMK, or the newly formed TVK led by actor Joseph Vijay.
Legal activists in the region described the police visit to the victim’s home as a clear human rights violation, in breach of Supreme Court guidelines on handling sexual assault survivors. They argue that the actions of district officials show that the police machinery is “acting on instructions from above” or attempting to placate influential groups.
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