Villupuram, Nov. 24 -- A Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) functionary has been booked on charges of sexual assault, blackmail and criminal intimidation following a complaint filed by a 25-year-old woman at the All-Women Police Station in Kotakuppam, Villupuram district.

The case was registered on November 19 and has triggered public concern over political misuse and women's safety in the state.

According to the FIR, the accused, identified as Baskaran, allegedly exploited his proximity to the woman, who had been living with her parents after separating from her husband. The woman, who is currently raising her young son, had been constructing a house using her savings. Baskaran, said to be a neighbour and a local DMK functionary, reported...