Seeman, the head of the Naam Tamilar Katchi party, ignited controversy recently with remarks about sexual assault allegations leveled against him by actress Vijayalakshmi. His comments, made during press conferences, have sparked public outrage and drew heavy criticism from various political and social circles.
During one of his appearances, Seeman remarked, "Some are howling as if they’ve thrown some older woman to the harvest field," when discussing the legal case involving himself and Vijayalakshmi. This comment, along with others, has been widely condemned and has added to the tension around his party's image.
Seeman was called to the Walasaravakkam police station to answer questions related to the allegations against him. This inquiry followed the resurfacing of complaints he had faced back in 2011, where Vijayalakshmi accused him of deceiving her with promises of marriage and then abandoning her. Although she retracted her complaint initially, she refilled it again this past year, leading to renewed investigations.
On February 28, 2023, Seeman visited the police station, where he faced extensive questioning. Reports indicate he was asked 53 questions made up of earlier complaints and recent proceedings. Police officials, including the investigator Divine Pandiyan and other attendees, spearheaded this inquiry.
Despite the intensity of the questioning process, Seeman was not arrested on this occasion and was allowed to return home after about 1.15 hours of questioning, which concluded at approximately 11:15 PM. This outcome surprised many observers, as the expectations were high following the serious allegations against him.
Throughout the proceeding, Seeman maintained his stance, stating, "If it is done unwillingly, then it is sexual assault; if it was wanted, what name would it have?" This comment, along with his other remarks directed at the allegations, has polarized public opinion and raised many questions about consent within the political discourse surrounding his case.
The atmosphere surrounding Seeman has become charged not just within political circles but among everyday citizens as well, evidenced by the considerable backlash faced by his comments on social media platforms. Many have called for accountability and condemned his view, arguing it trivializes the seriousness of sexual assault. This has brought renewed scrutiny not just on his party, but on societal attitudes toward women and consent.
The legal controversy surrounding Seeman speaks to larger issues within society, with activists gearing up to demand justice for Vijayalakshmi and other potential victims of abuse. Seeman's case has become emblematic of the frustrations many feel about how allegations of such nature are handled and perceived by political figures.
It remains to be seen how this situation will develop, particularly as the police investigation progresses. Seeman’s appearances at the police station have put him directly under the spotlight, with stakeholders from both sides of the debate watching closely. His responses, coupled with the public uproar, will shape how the allegations against him are perceived moving forward.
The future of Seeman's political career hangs precariously as well, with many questioning whether he can maintain his position as the head of the Naam Tamilar Katchi party following this series of controversies. Whatever the outcome, one thing is clear: the discourse surrounding sexual assault and accountability is only just beginning to evolve, particularly as public awareness rises and more voices join the conversation.