The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognizance of the sexual harassment of a 19-year-old student of Anna University in Chennai. In a statement the Commission strongly condemned the attack and pledged its support to the victim in her fight for justice. NCW expressed serious concern over accused Gnanashekaran, a 37-year-old biryani seller from Kotturpuram. The Commission highlighted that the accused was a habitual offender, with complaints lodged against him earlier also. The NCW claimed that the failure of the Tamil Nadu Police to act on these cases encouraged him to commit this heinous crime, raising questions on the law and order situation in Tamil Nadu.
Also read: Cyclone Fengal Tamil Nadu: Schools, colleges will remain closed in 4 districts due to heavy rains due to Cyclone Fengal.
NCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar directed the Tamil Nadu Director General of Police to ensure free medical care and security for the victim. The commission also recommended adding Section 71 of the BNS, 2023, which deals with punishment for repeat offenders, in the FIR. Further, he directed the DGP to take action against the police officers who publicly revealed the identity of the victim, which is in violation of the Supreme Court guidelines. The attack took place on December 23 when Gnanasekaran, along with another unidentified person, attacked the student and her male friend inside the Anna University campus. The survivor lodged a police complaint on Tuesday, following which Gnanasekaran was arrested, who confessed to the crime. An investigation is underway to determine whether he has committed similar crimes in the past.
Also read: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for those killed in the landslide.
Meanwhile, BJP state president K Annamalai shared a photo on Instagram showing Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and other DMK leaders with Gnanasekaran. Annamalai linked the accused to the DMK and alleged that the perpetrators were often protected by local party officials, allowing them to escape accountability. AIADMK also claimed that the accused had links with the ruling party. However, the DMK has denied any links with the accused.
