Addressing a campaign gathering ahead of the October 6 bypoll, Vijay repeatedly challenged Stalin to speak about the case and alleged that the DMK and AIADMK had reached an understanding even over the matter.
“Stalin sir, open your mouth,” Vijay said, questioning why the DMK chief had not spoken more forcefully about the case.
Vijay questions DMK-AIADMK 'collusion'
Vijay alleged that the case had been buried during the previous DMK government despite a complaint being lodged.
“What was the deal, Tamil Nadu is asking. Stalin sir, open your mouth,” Vijay said, alleging that the AIADMK was also remaining silent because of an alleged political understanding with the DMK.
The TVK chief was campaigning for the October 6 bypoll, which was necessitated by the resignation of AIADMK MLA K Maragatham Kumaravel. Kumaravel later joined the TVK and has been re-nominated as its candidate.
Vijay also criticised the alleged use of obscene remarks against women during political exchanges, saying he could tolerate personal attacks but would not accept derogatory comments about women in Tamil Nadu.
Stalin fires back at Vijay
Stalin responded sharply, accusing Vijay of making political statements without being aware of the developments in the case.
“Stalin sir, open your mouth and speak about the Veeramani case. Did you come without updating your script paper?” Stalin said.
He claimed that he had already spoken about the matter in detail and suggested Vijay had either not watched the relevant television coverage or read newspaper reports.
Stalin also attacked Vijay over his alliance with former AIADMK MLA Maragatham Kumaravel, questioning how the TVK chief could describe the DMK as an “evil force” and his own party as a “pure force” while inducting a former AIADMK legislator and fielding her again.
He further questioned Vijay's criticism of the BJP and asked how many times the TVK chief had opposed the BJP or organised protests against it since launching his party.
What is the Veeramani case?
The case centres on R Veeramani, chairman of Gem Granites, who was arrested in August along with Shanti and her husband Mahendra Simhan in connection with allegations of sexual abuse of minor girls.
According to police, the matter came to their attention in October 2025, during the previous DMK government, after a child-rights activist approached the Anti-Vice Squad with a pen drive containing video footage purportedly showing a minor girl being sexually assaulted.
Police sources have said an FIR was registered against Veeramani but that he was not arrested during the previous government and the case was subsequently closed for lack of strong evidence.
The allegations concerning the handling of the case have become a major political flashpoint between the DMK and TVK.
Court orders further probe
The case took a fresh turn under the present TVK government after the Special POCSO Court refused to accept the closure report and ordered further investigation.
Veeramani was subsequently arrested, while police said the survivor seen in the video had been traced and her statement recorded before a magistrate.
The investigation has since widened, with police telling the court that several other women who were allegedly minors when the incidents occurred had also been identified and their statements recorded.
Police have also alleged that Shanti and Mahendra Simhan facilitated Veeramani's alleged offences.
The allegations remain subject to the ongoing investigation and judicial proceedings.