DMK’s Sekar Babu faces first ‘political’ case under TVK govt; slapped with murder bid charge

Regime changes in Tamil Nadu traditionally bring shifts in the political landscape, with new governments often taking action against ministers and officials from the previous dispensation. While the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which assumed power, publicly pledged not to engage in political vendetta, the first such political case has now been registered against former DMK minister and Harbour MLA PK Sekar Babu.

The case, involving serious charges, including attempt to murder, stems from a complaint filed on polling day (April 23) of the Assembly elections, but was registered with a noticeable delay, raising questions about timing and political motivations.

FIR over poll-day clash

According to police sources, the North Beach police station in Chennai registered an FIR against Sekar Babu and his supporters under six sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 109(1) for attempted murder, along with provisions related to unlawful assembly, causing injury, criminal intimidation, and violations under the Representation of the People Act.

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The clash occurred in the Mannadi area of the Harbour constituency on April 23, the day of voting for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. TVK candidate Sinora Ashok alleged that Sekar Babu and his DMK cadres assaulted his party workers.

Tension escalated when police intervened to control the situation. While Sekar Babu's name was not initially in the complaint, it was added later following further inquiry and directives from election authorities.

Questions over TVK’s non-vendetta stand

This marks a significant early test for the new TVK administration's commitment to impartial governance. TVK General Secretary Aadhav Arjuna had categorically stated that the party has "no intention to seek vendetta against anyone" and would focus on constructive work rather than political revenge or targeting previous rulers.

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However, Sekar Babu, in his first response to the media, downplayed the incident and framed the case as politically motivated. “We have had a long political journey with many ups and downs. These cases cannot stop my political journey. We will prove before the law that we are innocent,” Sekar Babu told The Federal.

He described the events on polling day as a minor scuffle. “There was a push and shove between both sides during vote counting. There was no major clash or beating. Both sides have filed complaints with the police,” he explained.

Sekar Babu prepares legal response

Sekar Babu, a senior DMK leader and former minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE), has a long-standing political career in Chennai’s Harbour constituency. He is known for his organisational skills within the DMK and has faced legal cases in the past, though he maintains a strong local support base.

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Sources indicate that Sekar Babu’s legal team is preparing to file for anticipatory bail in the case. Investigations are ongoing, and this development has added to the political churn in Tamil Nadu following the recent elections that brought TVK to power.

The case is being closely watched because it could set the tone for how the new government handles allegations involving Opposition leaders from the previous DMK regime. While Opposition parties may view this as political targeting, the TVK maintains it is acting on genuine complaints received during the election process.