Fri Jan 03 08:59:53 UTC 2025: ## BJP Leaders Arrested During Protest Over Anna University Sexual Assault

**Madurai, Tamil Nadu –** BJP national executive committee member Khushbu Sundar and other party members were arrested in Madurai on Friday, January 3, 2025, while attempting to conduct a rally protesting the alleged sexual assault of a student at Anna University on December 23, 2024. Police denied permission for the march from Madurai to Chennai.

The protesters, many of whom were women and not solely affiliated with the BJP, gathered near Simmakkal Chelathamman temple, carrying flowers and fire pots, demanding a thorough investigation into the case. Ms. Sundar stated that the protest was not solely a BJP issue but concerned all citizens. She emphasized the voluntary nature of the participation, refuting claims of incentivization.

Along with Sundar, BJP Mahila Morcha president Umarathi Rajan and other women were detained and held in a private hall.

The arrests drew strong condemnation from BJP leaders. Ponguleti Sudhakar Reddy, BJP national co-in-charge for Tamil Nadu, accused the DMK government of suppressing peaceful protest and shielding perpetrators. K. Annamalai, BJP Tamil Nadu unit president, echoed these sentiments, alleging anti-democratic actions to protect offenders within the DMK. The BJP claims the arrests highlight the DMK government’s failure to support the assault survivor.

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