Chennai- In a shocking incident that has sent ripples across Tamil Nadu, over 50 women have been allegedly sexually abused and forced into prostitution by a man identified as Manikandan in the Salem city area. The state executive committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has strongly condemned the crime and called for a high-level investigation.

According to the party’s state secretary, P. Shanmugam, Manikandan allegedly recorded obscene videos of the women and used the footage to blackmail and sexually assault them. He is also accused of forcing the victims into commercial sex work. Police have arrested the primary accused.

However, the CPI(M) has raised suspicions that Manikandan may not have acted alone. Citing the scale of the blackmail and trafficking operation, the party’s state executive committee has urged the Tamil Nadu government and the police department to immediately transfer the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CB CID) for a thorough probe.

The party has demanded the arrest and prosecution of all individuals involved in the crime, regardless of their position or political affiliation. It also stressed the need to provide adequate protection to all the victims and ensure that their identities and personal information are not leaked to the public. Furthermore, the CPI(M) has called for a comprehensive investigation to determine if any other women have been victimized.

In a specific demand, the party referred to media reports suggesting that the accused is a member of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The CPI(M) has insisted that if these reports are true, the accused should be immediately expelled from the party. It further urged the state government to guarantee that the investigation proceeds without any political pressure and remains completely fair and transparent.

DMK MP Kanimozhi too, expressed concern in the case. She further urged the authorities to conduct a proper probe into the matter and ensure that all those involved are brought to justice. Kanimozhi stressed that the focus should remain on protecting the victims and safeguarding their rights throughout the investigation process. "The government must ensure the safety of all affected women, along with guaranteeing that they receive the justice they deserve," she said.