Woman Collector Harassment Row: Tamil Nadu Minister Assures Probe Against TVK MLA

Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Rajmohan on Tuesday promised a thorough and impartial investigation into allegations that ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) MLA Arul Vignesh sent inappropriate messages to a woman district collector and allegedly harassed her.

The controversy centres on J E Padmaja, the District Collector, who was allegedly targeted by the Kallakurichi MLA through inappropriate text messages. The allegations also include claims that he made an unannounced visit to her residence.

The issue gained political attention on Monday after DMK MP Kanimozhi raised the matter on social media, accusing the legislator of harassing the woman officer through messages and an unexpected visit to her home.

Responding to the allegations, Rajmohan said the government led by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay followed a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and would not shield anyone on the basis of political position or affiliation.

He said a detailed investigation would be conducted once a formal complaint was received and assured that appropriate action would follow if the allegations were established.

"Under our CM's administration, if an allegation is levelled against anyone, a thorough investigation will be conducted, and action will be taken without partiality," the minister said.

Meanwhile, Arul Vignesh denied the allegations, describing the reports as baseless. He claimed they were part of a deliberate misinformation campaign allegedly orchestrated by the DMK's IT wing.