During a campaign event in Tiruppur's Aathupalayam, a woman named Sangeetha, associated with the Dravidar Viduthalai Kazhagam, was allegedly assaulted by BJP members after questioning them about the Goods and Services Tax (GST) while they were canvassing for their candidate, AP Muruganandam, on April 11.
A video circulating on social media captures the altercation, wherein Sangeetha is seen being verbally abused and physically attacked by several men purportedly affiliated with the BJP. The footage depicts a heated exchange between Sangeetha and the BJP cadre, with derogatory remarks hurled at her for raising concerns about GST.
Sangeetha explained in a subsequent video that she questioned the imposition of GST on essential items such as rice and gas cylinders, along with the taxation of sanitary napkins. Despite sanitary napkins being exempted from GST since July 2018, she raised the issue during the BJP's campaign, prompting further inquiries from bystanders.
Following the confrontation, Sangeetha reported the incident to the Velampalayam police station, naming 15 individuals allegedly involved in the assault. She recounted that she was attacked by a person named Chinnasamy after returning to her shop post-engagement with the BJP cadre.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the matter to ascertain the sequence of events and identify the perpetrators. The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with many condemning the violence against Sangeetha and calling for swift justice.