Video: Tamil Nadu BJP chief Annamalai whips himself over Anna University student's sexual assault
India News | In a video shared by news agency PTI, Annamalai is seen taking a whip from a BJP party worker and striking himself repeatedly outside his residence.
K Annamalai, the president of the Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), whipped himself in Coimbatore as a form of protest to demand justice for a 19-year-old student who was allegedly sexually assaulted at Anna University.
In a video shared by news agency PTI on X (formerly known as Twitter), Annamalai is seen taking a whip from a BJP party worker and striking himself repeatedly outside his residence. Party members stood around him holding placards condemning the police for allegedly leaking the First Information Report (FIR) related to the student’s complaint.
“BJP Tamil Nadu president K Annamalai (@annamalai_k) whips himself outside his residence in Coimbatore to condemn the police, and the state government for their 'apathy' in handling the case of sexual assault of a student of Anna University,” PTI wrote alongside the video.
Speaking to reporters after the act, Annamalai said, “Anybody understanding Tamil culture will understand this (the self-flagellation). Flogging ourselves... punishing ourselves... it is part of this culture.”
)
US strikes hit key bridge and airport in southern Iran, IRGC-linked media reports
)
US caps foreign students' stay at 4 years under new visa rule; Over 3.31L Indian students could be affected
)
Ukrainian drone travels 2,500 km in 12 hours to attack oil refinery in Siberia, as CIA confirms 30-minute soldier lifespan
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Maintenance, training and missiles': Inside the true cost of operating an S-400 battery
)
Trump in address to nation, repeats stolen election claims, alleges China compromised 220 million voter data files
)
The Odyssey X review: Matt Damon starrer leaves fans spellbound; 'Absolute cinema' netizens declare
)
BREAKING: Massive earthquake jolts tourist hotspot in New Zealand, tsunami warning issued
)
Why Sheikh Hasina wants to return to Bangladesh despite death sentence —and what it means for India | WION Decodes
)
That is a misconception: Aamir Khan says 3 Idiots was not inspired by Sonam Wangchuk, Chatur is wrong
)
'Several US refueling aircraft and fighter jets destroyed', claims Iran amid escalating tensions
)
Iran's daring plan to seize US base, kidnap American soldiers could spark total war
)
WATCH | Terrified deer flee in panic on Iran’s Kharg Island amid US strikes
)
Before you buy your Odyssey ticket: The difference between IMAX 70mm and digital explained
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian fighter jets leave exhaust pipes raw compared to US jets
)
Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, 2 other Indian-origin experts join US Fed Reserve's task forces
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How much does a single S-400 missile cost?
)
Trump, Netanyahu drown in 'sea of revenge': Iran reveals new mural
)
Can the government force-feed Sonam Wangchuk like it did Irom Sharmila? Here's what the law says about hunger strikes | WION Decodes
)
'We share the anguish...': Congress appeals to Sonam Wangchuk to end fast, even as Rahul Gandhi remains missing from Jantar Mantar
How many missiles does one S-400 have?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New Friday OTT releases (July 17, 2026): Maa Inti Bangaaram, The East Palace, Desire- 5 new movies and TV shows on Netflix, JioHotstar and more
)
Older than Himalayas: 85mn-year-old Kewra plant reached India 24mn years ago, fossil discovery in Assam shows
)
Bihar man visits bank to withdraw Rs 1100, finds Rs 7596951951 in his account - What happened next
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian strike fighters seat pilots side-by-side compared to US jets
)
Americans need to prove they are American citizens to visit a national park in US
)
5 times in 40 years: Rare Atlantic Niña could soon grip Earth as Super El Niño tightens its jaws. What to expect?
)
Iraqi armed group announces $10 million reward for killing Trump
)
The Odyssey movie review: Christopher Nolan crafts a visual masterpiece that strips the glory from war
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why does the B-52 bomber still use eight engines?
)
Blasts heard in Doha, Qatar confirms intercepted missile attack
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
FIFA 2026: BTS to Justin Bieber! A look at the complete lineup for the World Cup final halftime show
)
'Monster fish' 20 times their original size are swarming Scottish lochs
Headded that his protest was not directed at an individual or a specific incident but against the larger pattern of injustices in the state.
“This is not against any person or thing... but against a continuous injustice that is happening in the state. What happened at Anna University is only the tipping point. If you look at what has been happening over the last three years... the continuous injustice against the common people, against women and children, and the corruption,” he said.
On Thursday, Annamalai said that he would fast for 48 days and abstain from wearing footwear until the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government was removed from power in Tamil Nadu.
“Tomorrow, I will hold a protest in front of my house, where I will whip myself six times. I will fast for 48 days and appeal to the six-armed Murugan. A protest will be held in front of the house of every BJP member,” he said.
Annamalai’s protests followed the assault of a student at Anna University in Chennai earlier in the week. The student’s male friend was also beaten during the attack. A 37-year-old roadside food vendor has been arrested, with the police saying on Wednesday that he had confessed to the crime.
The incident has triggered a political row between the ruling DMK and opposition parties. On Wednesday, Annamalai criticised the DMK government, claiming that Tamil Nadu had become a “breeding ground of unlawful activities” and a “haven for criminals” under its administration.
(With inputs from agencies)
