Chennai , 18 September (H.S.):The Tamil Nadu BJP on Friday relieved Karuppu M Muruganandam of all organisational responsibilities following serious allegations levelled against him by a woman office-bearer of the party.

State BJP president Nainar Nagenthran announced that the action would take effect immediately. The decision came after Divya Sheshadri, secretary of the party's OBC wing, approached the leadership with a complaint accusing Muruganandam of harassment, coercion, assault and intimidation.

Divya called for an impartial inquiry within a fixed timeframe and sought Muruganandam's suspension while the allegations were investigated. She also demanded his expulsion from the party if the charges were proved.

According to the complaint, Muruganandam had allegedly promised to marry Divya and had identified himself as the guardian of her children in their school documents. She claimed that he had also offered to support her candidature from Srirangam in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election.

Divya said she moved from Karnataka to Tamil Nadu and had been living in Tiruchy since 2024. She further alleged that she became pregnant during their relationship and was compelled to terminate the pregnancy against her wishes. The complaint also accused Muruganandam of physically assaulting her and threatening to kill her or her children.

She said she was ready to provide electronic evidence and details of witnesses to support her accusations. The complaint sought police protection and examination of the case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Copies were submitted to BJP national president Nitin Nabin, national general secretary (organisation) BL Santhosh, Tamil Nadu in-charge Arvind Menon, Nagenthran and other senior party leaders.

Muruganandam, however, said he had not been informed about the contents of the complaint or the specific accusations against him. He maintained that he could respond only after obtaining the details and promised to issue a clarification later.

The state leadership subsequently confirmed his removal from every party position with immediate effect. The allegations contained in the complaint have yet to be independently verified and will remain subject to an inquiry.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman