Tamil Nadu Congress Leader Calls for Fair Investigation Amid Media Trial Allegations Against MLA

Chennai, November 11 (Daily Kiran) : Manikam Tagore, the president of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee, has voiced strong opposition to what he describes as a media trial against Arul Vignesh, the MLA from Kallakurichi, who is accused of sending obscene messages. Tagore emphasized the importance of considering the MLA’s denial and his request for a fair investigation.

During a press conference, Tagore criticized the ongoing media scrutiny surrounding Vignesh. He noted that the MLA has refuted the allegations and has called for an investigation into CCTV footage as well as a review of his mobile phone records.

“The MLA has presented his side of the story,” Tagore stated. “He has requested an examination of the CCTV footage and his phone. How can we consider him guilty before the investigation is complete?”

In response to reports about a complaint filed by the district collector to the chief secretary, Tagore insisted that all details of the alleged complaint should be made public. He urged journalists to disclose relevant information to ensure transparency.

Tagore remarked that there is regular communication between the collector and the chief secretary regarding administrative matters. He stressed that the nature of a complaint cannot be determined solely on this basis, nor can accusations against an individual be deemed valid without proper evidence. He also criticized comparisons made between statements by DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin at a public event and the allegations against Vignesh.

He described Stalin’s remarks about a woman as inappropriate and unacceptable, noting that they were made in front of nearly 2,000 attendees and are available on video.

Tagore insisted that recorded speeches and denied allegations should not be treated equally. He called on those making accusations to provide evidence.

Regarding a separate alleged assault case involving the deputy speaker, he stated that if a victim has filed a complaint, the police must take appropriate action. “Whoever the victim may be, police should act upon receiving a complaint. There can be no disagreement on this,” he asserted.

He emphasized that both cases should be investigated separately, and individuals should not be presumed guilty based on unrelated incidents. Tagore expressed his objection to anyone being declared guilty before an investigation is concluded. He maintained that the explanation provided by MLA Arul Vignesh should also be thoroughly examined before reaching any conclusions.

It is noteworthy that Congress MPs Jyotimani and Sudha have sharply criticized Arul Vignesh over the allegations of sending obscene messages, leading to varied reactions within the party.