Jayalalithaa tattoo ‘forced’ on girl, complaint sent to NHRC

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa (File/PTI Photo)

A Chennai-based rights organisation Tuesday wrote to the NHRC seeking action against AIADMK leaders for allegedly allowing a girl to be forced into getting a tattoo of Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa during her birthday celebrations here on February 23.

Quoting media reports, the petition by ‘Change India’ alleged that the incident, perpetrated by AIADMK cadres, happened in the presence of several ministers, including O Panneerselvam. It also asked the government to draw up guidelines to prevent exploitation of children in the garb of political functions.

AIADMK spokesperson said the girl had later given a statement saying that nobody compelled her to get a tattoo, and that it was her choice. “However, the CM has removed MLA M K Ashok from party posts, suggesting that he should have been a little more careful in organising such events,” he said.