Kochi’s Moral Policing Sena Leader Was Held for Sexual Harassment

TK Arivindan allegedly sexually harassed a differently-abled woman who worked as a part-time sweeper.

TK Arivindan, the main accused in the Marine Drive moral policing case, allegedly sexually harassed a differently-abled woman. (Photo: The News Minute)

The Shiv Sena leader, who is the main accused in Kochi’s Marine Drive moral policing case, has been accused of sexual harassment in the past.

The 57-year-old Shiv Sena leader TK Aravindan was arrested by Njarackal police in 2014 for allegedly sexually harassing a differently-abled woman, who was a part-time employee in a school. He was remanded by the Ernakulam district court in the case and was out on bail.

Aravindan was charged under Section 509 of IPC, insulting the modesty of a woman and Section 354A, sexual harassment. He was the PTA president of the school and the victim was a part-time sweeper there.

The complainant was hearing impaired. She had complained that the accused had tried to molest her. He had caught her hands forcefully and conveyed some vulgar words to her by writing on her palm with his fingers.

Officer, Njarackal Police Station 

Sources said the woman was also allegedly threatened by the Shiv Sena leader after the incident.

On Wednesday evening, a Shiv Sena march to Marine Drive in Kochi turned into a moral policing exercise, where several members chased couples and youth away using canes. The incident took place under full media glare.

The police later arrested six Shiv Sainiks – TR Devan, KK Biju, KY Kunjumon, TR Lenis, KU Ratheesh and AV Vineesh – for unlawful assembly, threatening youths and obstructing police personnel.

On Friday, Yuva Sena President Aditya Thackerey suspended the six members involved the moral policing incident.