The Tamil Nadu Law Minister S. Regupathy Minister assured that the government will ensure quick justice for the Anna University student. Meanwhile, a two-member NCW fact-finding team wrapped up its visit, slamming the DMK government for letting a “criminal” roam free. Following the Madras High Court’s orders, a three-member SIT has been formed to investigate the matter.
Chennai: Tamil Nadu Law Minister S. Regupathy stated that the DMK government is committed to swiftly delivering justice for the Anna University student who was sexually assaulted last week, similar to the prompt punishment meted out to Sathish, the accused in the murder of college student M. Sathya in October 2022.
He expressed in a statement,
“The Dravidian model government completed the inquiry and succeeded in getting capital punishment for Sathish within two years. The police and judiciary will ensure justice for the Anna University student,”
Regupathy criticized former Chief Minister and AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami for his inability to accept that women are coming forward to report crimes against them.
He emphasized that the people are aware of the transparent manner in which the State government has addressed such issues.
In response to Palaniswami’s question regarding the government’s failure to monitor a history-sheeter like Gnansekaran, who has been accused of sexually assaulting the student, Regupathy pointed out that Gnansekaran was involved in criminal activities from 2014 to 2019, during the AIADMK’s rule.
He asserted,
“The AIADMK government had filed only a theft case against a sex criminal. Had it taken action, the present incident would not have taken place,”
Meanwhile, a two-member fact-finding committee from the National Commission for Women (NCW) departed for New Delhi on Tuesday after a two-day visit to Chennai concerning the sexual assault case. NCW member Manta Kumari and former Maharashtra DGP Praveen Dixit, who arrived in the city on Monday, criticized the State government for allowing Gnansekaran to remain on the university campus.
During their visit, they interacted with university authorities, the complainant, and her family, and also inspected the crime scene. They later met with Governor R.N. Ravi at Raj Bhavan.
Additionally, a group of women advocates led by K.M. Nalinishree submitted a representation to the NCW, demanding stringent action against the accused and measures to safeguard students on campus. The committee plans to submit a report to NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar.
A three-member all-women Special Investigation Team (SIT), established by the Madras High Court, has also initiated its investigation into the sexual assault and the leak of the First Information Report related to the case, officials confirmed.
The petitioners’ lawyers argued that releasing the First Information Report (FIR) was against the law. They highlighted that the Police Commissioner admitted to the release and demanded action against the officers responsible. The lawyers also pointed out that the Commissioner claimed the arrested person had 20 cases against him and called for an investigation into those involved.
They requested a review of the FIR’s release, saying it violated laws protecting sexual assault victims. They also demanded the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by a retired judge, to probe the matter. The Commissioner later clarified that the arrested individual faced only one sexual assault case. However, the petitioners insisted that all pending cases should be investigated.
Earlier, During the hearing, the judges questioned how the Commissioner could call the arrested person a criminal before the investigation was completed and why the individual was injured in police custody. The Tamil Nadu government’s Attorney General and Additional Attorney General explained that only the name of the arrested person appeared in the victim’s complaint.
The police stated that the arrested person got injured while trying to escape during interrogation. The judges also asked if government officials need prior approval to speak to journalists under the code of conduct.
The court directed the Tamil Nadu government and police to submit a detailed report on the FIR’s release and identify those responsible. It also asked Anna University to report on how it used Nirbhaya funds and the number of complaints received by its Vishakha Committee.
The judges praised the victim for her courage in filing the complaint, saying it was their duty to protect her. They noted that the alleged perpetrator had been on the Anna University campus for ten years and stressed that women have full freedom, including the right to choose in matters of love.
Case Title
R Varalakshmi vs. The Government of Tamil Nadu and Others WP No. 39893 of 2024
FOLLOW US FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES ON YOUTUBE
