‘Murder’: TVK, BJP target DMK after woman allegedly commits suicide over election freebies
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Aadhav Arjuna on Thursday condemned the death of a 25-year-old Dalit woman in Tiruchirappalli, alleging it was “forced murder” and demanding a CBI probe, as political backlash intensified against the DMK over the incident.“This is a deeply disturbing case that raises serious concerns about the safety and dignity of women,” Arjuna, the TVK’s General Secretary of Campaign Management and candidate from Villivakkam, told ANI reporters. “This is not a suicide; it’s forced murder.”Arjuna alleged that Chief Minister MK Stalin and Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin pressured the Trichy police to remove the official statement on the case.“We question why information related to this case, including the official police statement, was reportedly removed. If such actions have taken place, it raises concerns about transparency, and it is done because of the pressure given by Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin and DyCM Udhayanidhi Stalin to the Trichy police department,” he said.“We are going to file in the High Court for Sindhuja’s case for CBI,” Arjuna added, also announcing plans to approach the Chief Election Commissioner in Delhi.Arjuna accused the state government of ignoring the woman’s complaint and claimed DMK cadre had attacked her.“Sindhuja is of a different caste. She is not an OBC or BC. DMK is always against the Dalit people. The DMK office bearers totally ignored her and used unparliamentary words against Sindhuja. Initially, the DMK Union Secretaries attacked Sindhuja,” he said.“We are ashamed. In Tamil Nadu, no actors and senior leaders talked about this Sindhuja murder. We want justice. The Income Tax and the ED are still quiet and are not activated,” he added.Also read: Woman assaulted by DMK workers over gifts, dies by suicide in Tamil Nadu
Vijay, BJP leaders condemn DMK
On April 15, TVK leader and actor Vijay posted on X in Tamil: “The DMK’s 8,000-rupee coupon drama has led to the heartbreaking news of a sister taking her own life in Trichy Mannachannallur, a report that sends chills down the spine.”He alleged the DMK is using “anti-democratic” ways to “clinch a win by fooling people” in the 2026 assembly elections.“Today, as this anti-democratic 8,000-rupee coupon distribution takes place, unable to bear the vulgar rhetoric of DMK members, a sister in Trichy Mannachannallur has ended her life due to mental agony — doesn’t this news shake your conscience, Stalin sir?” Vijay posted.BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran called the incident “utterly shocking,” while former state president K. Annamalai said DMK supporters “assaulted” and used “obscene language” against the woman.
Arjuna objects to alleged money distribution
Arjuna also objected to alleged distribution of money during the election period, saying he would file a complaint with the Chief Electoral Officer of Tamil Nadu, Archana Patnaik.“Attempts to influence elections through money power will not succeed. The people of Tamil Nadu are seeking change, and their democratic choice will prevail,” he said.
The incident
Sindhuja, 25, a Dalit woman from Vaazhaikattai village in Manachanallur, died by suicide on April 14. Police said DMK workers allegedly refused to give her gift items being distributed during election campaigning, pulled her hair, used obscene language, and assaulted her with a broomstick on the night of April 13.The next day, she pushed her husband out of the room, locked the door, and hanged herself. Nine people have been booked and six arrested.Tamil Nadu will vote in a single phase on April 23, with counting on May 4. The main contest is between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance and the NDA led by AIADMK with BJP and PMK as allies.
