Police have arrested two men, including the personal assistant of a ruling DMK legislator, in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a 20-year-old disabled man.

The arrested have been identified as 39-year-old A. Adhiyamaan, personal assistant to Bargur DMK MLA D. Mathiazhagan, and Asal Ali, a local shop owner said to have close links with the party. Police said the duo allegedly assaulted the victim near the Krishnagiri toll gate about 10 days ago. Officials confirmed that the crime was committed without the influence of alcohol. “The assault happened when both men were in a normal state of mind,” a police officer stated.

The case has triggered political controversy after AIADMK leaders alleged that Krishnagiri Town Inspector Venkatesh Prabhu and DMK’s Krishnagiri West in-charge Aslam Rehman Sheriff attempted to intervene in a community-style settlement to pressure the victim into withdrawing his complaint.

However, senior police officials rejected these accusations, clarifying that an FIR has been filed under the Disability Act and both accused remain in custody until September 22.

In a statement, the victim recounted attempts to silence him. “They told me this will become a big legal issue and asked me to write a letter as they dictated. They made me write it and took it from me. They arranged two other witnesses also, Giri and Sukumar. Then they sent me to the police station to take back the complaint. Aslam Ali gave me Rs 10,000 after that. I was in mental agony for 7–8 days and even wanted to end my life. They gave me a life threat,” he alleged.