Two separate controversies have erupted in Tamil Nadu over the handling of the sexual assault and murder case of a 10-year-old girl in Coimbatore’s Sulur area, putting the newly elected government under pressure.
The first controversy involved Industries Minister S Keerthana, who faced criticism after a video showed her smiling during questions from reporters about the case.
Soon after, another video went viral showing senior police officials smiling before a joint press conference on the same case. The officials seen in the video included Inspector General RV Ramya Bharathi, DIG P Saminathan, and SP Allatipalli Pavan Kumar Reddy.
The videos triggered strong reactions on social media, with many users calling the behaviour insensitive considering the seriousness of the crime.
The BJP also attacked the state government, accusing Minister Keerthana of showing “extreme insensitivity.” BJP leader Vinoj P Selvam questioned the law-and-order situation in the state and criticised the minister’s conduct.
Responding to the criticism, Keerthana said her smile was being “deliberately twisted for political motives.” She clarified that she smiled only after the media interaction had ended and not in response to questions about the case.
Calling the crime “heinous,” the minister said the government acted quickly after the incident. She stated that Chief Minister Joseph Vijay immediately ordered action, after which five special police teams were formed and more than 250 CCTV recordings were checked.
According to police, the 10-year-old girl went missing while playing outside her home in Sulur on May 21. After a search operation using CCTV footage and technical surveillance, police arrested the main accused, identified as K Karthi, along with another accused on charges of criminal conspiracy.
The Tamil Nadu government said strict action will be taken against the accused under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act).
The incident has sparked political reactions across the state, with several leaders condemning the crime and demanding strict punishment for those involved.
