KRISHNAGIRI: Following the arrest of two persons, one of whom is the personal assistant of the Bargur DMK MLA, in a sexual assault case on Monday night, AIADMK cadres have demanded the arrest of Krishnagiri town DMK west in-charge Aslam Rehman Sheriff for his alleged involvement in a 'khap panchayat'.
Krishnagiri AIADMK MLA K Ashok Kumar told TNIE, "Ten days ago, a 20-year-old disabled boy from Kaveripattinam was allegedly sexually assaulted by two persons near the Krishnagiri toll gate. One of the suspects is A Adhiyamaan (39), the personal assistant to Bargur DMK MLA. Following the incident, Krishnagiri town DMK west in-charge Aslam Rehman Sheriff, with the support of Krishnagiri Town Inspector Venkatesh Prabhu, got involved in a khap panchayat and tried to pressure the victim to withdraw the complaint."
Although an FIR was registered on August 30, the two suspects were arrested on Monday night after the victim submitted another petition to Krishnagiri SP P Thangadurai.
AIADMK cadres have demanded that the police arrest the Sheriff and suspend the inspector, taking departmental action against them. They stated that a petition will be submitted to the Krishnagiri district administration or a demonstration will be organised, pending orders from the party high command.
Late on Monday night, around 50 AIADMK cadres, led by Ashok Kumar, staged a protest in front of Krishnagiri town police station, demanding the Sheriff's arrest. They dispersed after the police pacified them.
When TNIE attempted to contact Bargur DMK MLA and DMK East District secretary D Mathiazhagan for comment, he was unavailable. However, DMK party sources told TNIE that Aslam was not involved in any khap panchayat and the victim was instigated by various political parties to create issues.
Police sources told TNIE they are enquiring about the matter.