Madras High Court Rebukes Police Handling of Anna University Case

The Madras High Court has sharply criticised Chennai Police Commissioner A Arun for his approach in the initial stages of the Anna University sexual assault investigation, highlighting the need for better handling of sensitive cases.

Formation of Special Investigation Team

In response to the investigation concerns, the Madras High Court established an all-women Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising IPS officers Sneha Priya, Ayman Jamal, and Brinda. This team has been tasked with probing both the sexual assault case and the unauthorized leak of the First Information Report (FIR). In addition to the formation of the SIT, the court mandated that the Tamil Nadu government provide a compensation of ₹25 lakh to the victim for the trauma caused by the FIR leak.

Support for the Victim

The court has ordered Anna University to extend comprehensive support to the victim, including free education, boarding, lodging, and counseling, to ensure she can continue her studies without financial burden. This action aims to alleviate the additional distress caused by the incident and its repercussions.

Involvement of the National Commission for Women

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has proactively initiated a two-member fact-finding committee to look into the alleged sexual assault of the 19-year-old student. This move followed the Commission’s suo motu cognizance of the incident, emphasizing the significance of a thorough investigation. The NCW has also issued a notice to the Tamil Nadu Director General of Police (DGP) and plans a visit to Chennai on Monday, December 30, to further the investigation.

Details of the Incident

The reported crime occurred on December 23 on the Anna University campus. The second-year student reported that she was sexually assaulted by an unidentified man who threatened her while she was with a friend around 8 PM, according to the Chennai Police. This alarming incident underlines the crucial need for heightened security and support systems for students, particularly women, on campus.

Conclusion

This case brings to the fore the essential need for accountability and a sensitive approach in dealing with sexual assault cases. The judicial and investigative responses highlight a commitment to justice and support for victims, setting a precedent for handling similar cases in the future.