COIMBATORE: A senior Tamil Nadu police officer has landed in controversy after a video showing her laughing moments before addressing the media on the Coimbatore girl rape-murder case went viral on social media, triggering outrage and criticism.Inspector General of Police (West Zone) R V Ramya Bharathi came under fire after the clip, recorded ahead of a press briefing on the sexual assault and murder of a young girl, began circulating widely online.In the video, the officer is seen laughing and interacting casually before speaking to reporters about the sensitive case. The footage drew sharp reactions, with many social media users questioning the perceived lack of sensitivity given the nature of the crime that has shaken Tamil Nadu.“The entire state is grieving over the brutal murder of a child, and senior officials are seen laughing before the briefing,” one social media user wrote, echoing sentiments shared widely online.The controversy erupted amid statewide outrage over the abduction, sexual assault and murder of the 10-year-old girl in Sulur near Coimbatore, a case that has triggered protests and political attacks against the ruling TVK government.Notably, the row surfaced on the same day Tamil Nadu industries minister S Keerthana also faced criticism after a separate video showed her smiling during a media interaction on the case.The controversy around Keerthana began after she told reporters she would respond only to “administrative questions” when asked about the murder following an official meeting. BJP leaders accused the minister of displaying “insensitivity” and alleged that she appeared dismissive while responding to questions on the killing.Facing backlash, Keerthana later issued a clarification, saying her body language was being “misinterpreted and deliberately twisted” for political reasons. She maintained that the smile came naturally at the end of the interaction and was not connected to the crime or reporters’ questions.The controversies have intensified scrutiny on the government and senior officials at a time when public anger remains high over the murder case. Chief minister C Joseph Vijay has assured swift action and a fast-track investigation, while police have arrested two accused in connection with the crime.Senior police officials are yet to issue an official response regarding the viral video involving the Inspector General.
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