Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], December 26 : Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President K. Annamalai on Thursday announced that he would observe a 48-day fast, whip himself, and remain barefoot in protest against the ruling DMK government over the alleged sexual assault of a student at a university in Chennai.
Speaking at a press conference, Annamalai removed his shoe and declared, "From tomorrow onwards, until the DMK is removed from power, I will not wear any footwear. From tomorrow, K. Annamalai will protest against the government's handling of the Anna University student's sexual harassment case."

"Tomorrow, I will hold a protest in front of my house, where I will whip myself six times. Starting tomorrow, I will fast for 48 days and appeal to the six-armed Murugan. Tomorrow, a protest will be held in front of the house of every BJP member. From tomorrow, until the DMK is removed from power, I will not wear sandals. There must be an end to this," said Annamalai.
BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan and other party cadres were detained by the Tamil Nadu Police on Thursday during protests organised by the BJP and AIADMK against the alleged sexual assault of a female student on the Anna University campus in Chennai.
Soundararajan, who led the BJP's protest, accused the DMK-led state government of attempting to silence dissent, claiming, "This is atrocious. They want to crush our voice." She added that police had detained her and several party workers during the protest.
The incident involved a second-year student of Anna University who was allegedly sexually assaulted by a man on the university campus on Monday night. One person has been arrested in connection with the case.
Earlier, Tamilisai Soundararajan and other BJP members staged a demonstration condemning the DMK government. Police also detained workers of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) as they staged a protest against the ruling government over the incident.
On Wednesday, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) Founder-President Thol. Thirumavalavan called for swift action in connection with the case.
Meanwhile, actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party chief Vijay described the incident as "deeply shocking and painful," urging the Tamil Nadu government to take swift legal action against the perpetrator.
"Although the police have informed that the individual who committed the assault has been arrested, I urge the Tamil Nadu government to ensure swift legal action and appropriate punishment. If anyone else is involved in this heinous crime, they should also be held accountable promptly," Vijay said in a post on X.
Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai also criticised the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led government, alleging a surge in crimes against women.
Speaking to reporters, Annamalai claimed that two unidentified individuals entered the campus and assaulted the student.
"Crimes against women are at an all-time high. This incident is not only shocking but has left us paralysed for a moment. One of the safest places, the sprawling Anna University campus, witnessed this horrific crime. A girl and boy were on campus when two unknown individuals entered, beat up the boy, and sexually assaulted the girl, leaving her injured. The fact that the CCTVs were not functioning highlights the current state of law and order in Tamil Nadu. We hope the police will be given the freedom to act. With all MLAs and MPs from DMK in Chennai, is this a city that safeguards its people? I hope and pray the Tamil Nadu government takes appropriate action," he said.