Chennai, 19 January (H.S.) : A Special Sub-Inspector (SSI) attached to the Ramanathapuram district police was arrested on charges of voyeurism following a complaint by a female police officer.

The accused, identified as Muthupandi from the Paramakudi Town Police Station, was apprehended on Saturday after he allegedly placed his personal mobile phone inside a restroom to secretly record the female officer.

The incident took place during the high-profile visit of Chief Minister MK Stalin to Paramakudi for the inauguration of a statue and Manimandapam dedicated to Dalit leader Immanuvel Sekharan. The complainant, a woman officer from Thanjavur deployed for security duties, discovered the hidden device and immediately alerted her senior officials.

Following a preliminary inquiry, the mobile phone was traced back to Muthupandi, leading to his immediate arrest and subsequent suspension from service. Senior police officials confirmed that the case was registered at the Paramakudi All Women Police Station.

The incident has sparked a political controversy, with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State President Nainar Nagenthiran criticizing the state government over the safety of female personnel.

He alleged that if women police officers are not safe during a Chief Minister's visit, it reflects a broader failure in ensuring women's safety across the state.

Authorities have assured a thorough investigation into the matter to ensure strict legal action against the perpetrator.

The police department is also reviewing security protocols for personnel during such major public events to prevent such misconduct.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary