Justice For Rekha: MLA Son Anto Mathivanan And Merlina Physical Abuse

The police have registered a case against the Pallavaram DMK MLA Karunanidhi's son, Anto Mathivanan, and daughter-in-law Merlina, under four sections, including the Prevention of Atrocities Against the Underprivileged Act, following a complaint of torturing a young woman Rekha who had gone to work as a domestic worker.

An 18-year-old girl, Rekha from Ulundurpet, was at home after completing her Plus 2. The girl from a low-income family background was sent by her parents to do domestic work (for a monthly salary) by an agent to the house of Pallavaram DMK MLA Karunanidhi's son Anto Madhivanan 7 months ago due to family circumstances.

It was alleged that  Anto Madhivanan and his wife Merlina, who lived in South Avenue, Thiruvanmiyur, harassed the concerned young woman, Rekha, in the name of a job. It is said that she was tortured, especially by working day and night and by injuring and heating various parts of her body. She mentioned that Merlina burned her with a hair straighter and even cut her hair. Rekha said that she was made to sit naked.

Rekha reported to Merlina that she did not like her job and was going home, but Merlina was stopped and forced to stay and was assaulted and injured. They did not pay the salary as promised. It is said that he threatened to kill the family if they spoke about it.

In this case, Rekha, who was sent to her hometown on the occasion of Pongal, told her parents about the atrocities that had happened to her and cried. Shocked to see the injuries, the parents admitted their daughter to the Ulundurpet Government Hospital.

Neelankarai All Women Police Station was informed about this on behalf of the hospital. Subsequently, police led by police station inspector went to Ulundurpet Government Hospital and interrogated the young woman who was undergoing treatment.

At that time, the woman told about the ruthlessness that had happened to her, including DMK MLA's son Anto Madhivanan and daughter-in-law Merlina talking to her and beating her. Also, she has filed a complaint about this.

Subsequently, the police of Neelankarai Women's Police Station have registered a case against the accused under four sections, including the Prevention of Atrocities Against the Underprivileged Act and the Prevention of Atrocities Against Women Act. The investigation is ongoing.

Following this case, social media engaged with the hashtag Justice for Rekha, which went viral. Many social media users are coming forward to shoot their views on this case. Seeing the posts against Merliana and her family, Merlina shared an audio where she said she cared for Rekha more like a sister.