Stalin rejects claim DMK protected accused granite businessman

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has denied that the DMK tried to shield R Veeramani, who is accused in a sexual abuse case. In a statement reported by NDTV, Stalin said Veeramani, those who allegedly abetted him and anyone who attempted to protect him must face the law. Stalin also called for the maximum punishment for those found responsible, irrespective of their positions.

His statement therefore extended beyond the person accused in the case to alleged accomplices and anyone alleged to have intervened on his behalf. The supplied material does not provide details of the allegations against Veeramani, the number of people involved or the stage of the legal proceedings. It also does not identify anyone accused of protecting him.

The statement was presented as a response to an allegation that the ruling DMK had attempted to shield the accused. Stalin rejected that claim and said all culpable people should be dealt with under the law. No response from Veeramani, his representatives, investigators or any other political party was included in the available report.

The source also does not give details of any arrest, charge or court hearing.