A political confrontation has emerged in Tamil Nadu involving DMK president M.K. Stalin and TVK leader Vijay, with the R. Veeramani POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) case at its core. The exchange of accusations follows the state government's decision to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine the case, which has also seen the Madras High Court intervene to protect the privacy of child victims.

The dispute intensified after Vijay publicly challenged Mr. Stalin, urging him to address the Veeramani POCSO case. The TVK chief alleged that a complaint lodged during the previous DMK administration had been suppressed, and the case's history deliberately concealed. Vijay further accused the DMK of corruption, stating that the party consistently demanded evidence when such issues were raised within the legislative assembly.

In response, Mr. Stalin took to X (formerly Twitter) to criticise Vijay, questioning how the TVK leader could describe his party as a 'pure force' while reportedly fielding candidates in byelections who had been 'bought over' from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

The R. Veeramani POCSO case has entered a renewed phase of investigation. A four-member, all-women SIT, headed by Additional Commissioner of Police P.C. Thenmozhi and comprising three other senior women police officers, was formed to investigate the allegations and review the handling of the initial probe. This development follows scrutiny of the earlier investigation and subsequent action against police officers involved. Veeramani, along with associates Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan, had been arrested in connection with the case.

Previously, a Special POCSO Court had rejected the police's closure report in the matter and mandated further investigation. The newly established SIT is tasked with re-examining evidence, assessing the involvement of associates, and scrutinising the circumstances surrounding the earlier investigation. The Madras High Court has also issued a directive restraining media outlets from publishing or broadcasting explicit videos linked to the Veeramani POCSO case, citing the imperative to safeguard child victims. Additionally, the High Court is scheduled to hear a plea requesting a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the case.