Chennai: CPI state secretary M Veerapandian on Sunday urged the Tamil Nadu govt to transfer the investigation into the alleged sexual assault racket unearthed in Salem to the CB-CID.Veerapandian issued a statement demanding detailed investigation into the case. Veerapandian said the case had exposed a disturbing pattern of exploitation in which economically vulnerable women were allegedly lured with promises of loans and were sexually exploited. Investigations so far have revealed that more than 50 women were allegedly cheated in the racket. But only one 40-year-old man from Kondalampatti in Salem has been arrested so far.“The probe should not stop with one arrest. All those behind the racket must be identified and brought to book,” Veerapandian said.The accused, Manikandan, was arrested on June 12 and remanded in judicial custody. Veerapandian said investigators should also probe the accused’s political links and make the findings public.Expressing concern over recurring crimes against women, he urged the govt to strengthen and expand the functioning of the Singappen Special Force constituted for women’s safety.Given allegations that the racket had been functioning for a prolonged period, he said a CB-CID probe was essential to ensure a fair and comprehensive investigation.
