A Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) worker has been arrested on charges of raping and murdering his live-in partner’s two-and-a-half-year-old daughter in Tamil Nadu’s Krishnagiri district, police said.
The victim was the child of the 40-year-old suspect, Periyanayagam’s live-in partner, Princy (24), who is estranged from her husband, Surya. Police suspect that Periyanayagam raped the child in the absence of her mother.
Following marital differences, Princy had been living with her mother in Anchetty village, while Surya frequently visited to meet his daughter. On February 11, the victim suffered epileptic seizures and lost consciousness, following which her mother rushed her to a private hospital. She was, however, declared brought dead.
Suspecting foul play, Surya lodged a complaint, prompting a police investigation. A post-mortem examination revealed injuries to the internal layer of the child’s private parts, indicating sexual assault.
Investigators later found that Princy was allegedly in an affair with Periyanayagam, who has been arrested. Police suspect that Periyanayagam raped the child in the absence of her mother.
A case has been filed against the accused under provisions of the Pocso Act. Police said further investigation is underway.
Reacting to the incident, the opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) launched a sharp attack on the ruling DMK government.
“What greater proof is needed of administrative collapse? Who is accountable for this? A government that cannot ensure the basic safety of women and children has forfeited its moral right to remain in office,” the party said in a statement.
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Published By:
Prateek Chakraborty
Published On:
Feb 28, 2026 15:48 IST
