Salem city police arrested a 40-year-old man from Puthur Agraharam near Neikkarapatti on charges of sexually abusing women by filming them in compromising situations and then using the footage to blackmail them.
Details of the Arrest
The accused, identified as M Manikandan, allegedly approached women facing financial difficulties and promised them loans and support. Once he gained their trust, he recorded private moments without their consent and later used these recordings to threaten and coerce them into submitting to his demands.
An officer at the Kondalampatti police station stated, After earning their confidence, he filmed private moments without permission and later used the footage to blackmail them. The officer added that Manikandan not only abused women but also forced some of them to meet the demands of his associates.
Audio Clip Surfaces
An audio recording shared by one of the victims went viral on social media. In the clip, the woman described discovering obscene videos of other women on Manikandan's phone. She claimed that when she tried to end her relationship with him, he threatened her.
Investigation Ordered
After the audio clip circulated, Salem city police commissioner A K Giri ordered an investigation. A forensic review of Manikandan's mobile phone indicated that he had recorded three women in compromising circumstances, Giri told TOI. Based on these findings, cases were registered under seven sections, including sexual harassment, cheating, and criminal intimidation.
The commissioner confirmed that a detailed investigation is ongoing.
Political Party Denies Connection
The ruling TVK issued a statement clarifying that Manikandan is neither a party cadre nor a functionary, contrary to claims made by some individuals. Salem South district secretary RS Manikandan stated that such offenses against women are intolerable and urged police to handle the matter with the utmost seriousness.
