Madras HC allows DMK to file Rs 1 Cr defamation case against TVK

Tamil Nadu: The DMK has received permission from the Madras High Court to pursue a Rs 1-crore defamation case against TVK leaders over allegations concerning granite businessman R. Veeramani and a POCSO case.

Justice K. Govindarajan Thilakavathi allowed the DMK to initiate defamation proceedings against TVK leaders Aadhav Arjuna and C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar, along with the party’s IT wing. The DMK’s petition alleged that the TVK leaders and its IT wing had accused the ruling party of protecting Veeramani in a POCSO case registered during the DMK’s tenure.

Seeking Rs 1 crore in compensation, the DMK has moved against the allegations, which have added another flashpoint between the two political camps.

Veeramani, a granite businessman, has been detained under the stringent Goondas Act along with two associates, Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan. He was arrested in connection with a POCSO case involving allegations of sexual abuse of minor girls.

Four cases have so far been registered against Veeramani, including three under the POCSO Act and another linked to abetment of suicide. Police are also examining suspected financial transactions involving him.

Veeramani and his two associates were previously arrested and remanded in judicial custody. They are among 14 people detained under the Goondas Act on the orders of Chennai City Police Commissioner A. Amalraj.

The controversy also intensified after actor-turned-politician Vijay recently sought Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s response over the Veeramani case. Stalin responded by accusing Vijay, who has quit acting in films, of continuing to act before the public.