Tamil Nadu: DMK President MK Stalin accused the ruling AIADMK officials of trying to influence the police probe in the Pollachi sexual assault case.

Stalin said that investigations into the sexual assault of young girls in Pollachi should be conducted without affecting the future of the victims.

MK Stalin took to Twitter to question if the ruling AIADMK was hindering the probe and accused the party of colluding with the perpetrators of the crime.

In his tweet, Stalin wrote, "Even after the matter was brought to light and despite protests by the opposition, why has no action been taken?"

Pattali Makkal Katchi founder S Ramadoss tweeted stating that the news of sexual assault cases in Pollachi was shocking. He condemned the incidents and sought punishment for the perpetrators. 

In his tweet, S Ramadoss said that there were animals in the guise of humans around us who would lurk and pounce on gullible girls under the pretext of love.

One among the accused, Thurunavukkarasu released a video when he was in hiding, in which he mentioned that politicians were also involved. He wanted the case to be transferred to the CBI.

However, AIADMK MLA V Jayaraman denied the allegations that his son too was involved in the crime network that mainly comprised politically-connected men.

Police said that these men would befriend women on social media first and engage in conversations of sexual nature with them.

Upon gaining their trust, they would invite them to a secluded place and sexually assault them, while capturing the incident on camera.

The victims would later be blackmailed for money.

This mafia came to light on February 24, when a woman registered a complaint with Pollachi police. She accused four men of sexually assaulting her in a car.

The police arrested the four men - Thirunavukkarasu, Sathish, Sabarirajan and Vasanthakumar

Police say that more than 50 women across Tamil Nadu were allegedly lured and sexually harassed by the four-member gang.