Anna University Sexual Assault Case: The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Thursday took suo motu cognisance of the alleged sexual assault of a 19-year-old second-year student at Anna University in Chennai. The incident reportedly took place on Monday night when the survivor was with her male friend on the university campus and Chennai Police have confirmed the arrest of one person in connection with the case.
The NCW, in its statement said, NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar directed Tamil Nadu Director General of Police (DGP) to ensure free medical care and protection for the victim. It also recommended adding Section 71 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, to the FIR to ensure stricter punishment. Additionally, the commission demanded action against police officers for publicly disclosing the victim's identity, which violates Supreme Court guidelines and Section 72 of the BNS.
NCW said: "The NCW highlights that the accused is a habitual offender, with Tamil Nadu Police failing to act on previous cases. This negligence has emboldened him to commit such crimes, raising serious concerns about the collapsing law and order situation in Tamil Nadu."
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Meanwhile, a controversy started on Thursday after the FIR registered by Kotturpuram All Women Police Station was available for public along witht he details of the assault and the demographics of the student including her name, address and phone number.
Addressing the media, Greater Chennai Police Commissioner A. Arun acknowledged a possible software glitch that may have enabled the FIR’s unauthorized download, as per a report on The New Indian Express. He assured that a separate FIR has been registered to investigate the leak and identify those responsible.