CUDDALORE: The Cuddalore New Town police have officially registered a criminal case against Ponraj Vellaichamy, the head of the Abdul Kalam Vision India Movement, following a formal complaint regarding his highly offensive and derogatory remarks directed at women functionaries and cadres of the Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK). The police have invoked multiple legal provisions, including sections 79 and 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Section 4 of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women (TNPHW) Act, and Section 67 of the Information Technology (IT) Act. This action was taken after a complaint was lodged by B Rajkumar, the district secretary of TVK in Cuddalore.
Details of the Complaint
In his complaint, Rajkumar alleged that Ponraj Vellaichamy, during an interview with a YouTube channel, deliberately made obscene and highly defamatory statements, characterizing the women functionaries and cadres of the TVK party as sex workers. The complainant stated that the accused made these remarks with malicious intent, which not only defamed the specific individuals mentioned but also deeply insulted and degraded the modesty of all women across Tamil Nadu. The offensive content was uploaded to YouTube with the purpose of publicly shaming and humiliating the women cadres of TVK.
Legal Provisions Invoked
The police have booked Vellaichamy under the following sections:
- Section 79 of the BNS (relating to defamation)
- Section 353(2) of the BNS (relating to intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace)
- Section 4 of the TNPHW Act (prohibiting harassment of women)
- Section 67 of the IT Act (relating to publishing obscene material in electronic form)
Investigation Underway
Law enforcement authorities have commenced a review of digital evidence, including the interview footage uploaded on the YouTube channel, to facilitate further legal proceedings. The investigation aims to establish the veracity of the allegations and ensure that appropriate action is taken against the accused.
