The BJP launched a sharp attack on Tamil Nadu Industries Minister S Keerthana after her response during a media interaction on the sexual assault and murder of a 10-year-old girl in Coimbatore triggered a political controversy.
The row began when journalists questioned Keerthana about the case after an official meeting. The minister reportedly declined to comment, saying she would only answer “administrative questions.” BJP leaders then accused her of appearing to smile during the exchange, calling the reaction insensitive given the seriousness of the crime.
BJP leader Vinoj P Selvam criticised the minister, alleging that her conduct reflected the state government’s casual attitude toward law and order issues involving crimes against children and women. He claimed that she “laughed off” questions relating to the murder of a child and later tried to defend herself by saying that smiling was part of her natural expression.
Responding to the backlash, S Keerthana rejected the allegations and said her expression was being deliberately misrepresented for political purposes. She clarified that the smile occurred after the media interaction had concluded and was not directed at the question regarding the crime.
Calling the incident “heinous” and deeply painful, Keerthana said the Tamil Nadu government had acted immediately after the case surfaced. According to her, Chief Minister Joseph Vijay ordered swift action, following which five special police teams were formed. Authorities reportedly reviewed more than 250 CCTV footage clips and arrested the accused within 24 hours.
The minister also stated that strict legal action would be pursued against the accused under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act provisions. She added that ensuring justice for children and maintaining the safety of women and minors remained a top priority for the state government.
The case itself has sparked widespread outrage across Tamil Nadu. Police said the 10-year-old girl disappeared while playing outside her house under the Sulur Police Station limits in Coimbatore on May 21. After an intensive search operation using CCTV surveillance and technical tracking, police arrested the prime accused, identified as 33-year-old K Karthi, who allegedly knew the victim’s family and lured the child away. Another person was also arrested for alleged criminal conspiracy.
Several political leaders across party lines condemned the crime and demanded strict punishment for those involved, including Udhayanidhi Stalin, Edappadi K Palaniswami, TTV Dhinakaran and Anbumani Ramadoss.
