In the wake of the horrific sexual assault of a second-year student at Anna University on December 23, actor-turned-politician Vijay has met Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi to discuss the matter, as protests intensify across the state. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with demands for justice and stronger measures to ensure the safety of women on campus.
Vijay, who is also the chief of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), described the assault as “deeply shocking and painful” in a statement posted on social media platform X. He condemned the act and urged the Tamil Nadu government to take swift legal action against the accused, who has been arrested, and ensure that any other individuals involved are also held accountable.
The assault has led to the arrest of one suspect, and Tamil Nadu Police have set up four special investigation teams to probe the case. The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and the All India Women Welfare Federation organized protests outside Anna University’s Guindy campus, demanding justice for the victim and greater security measures for women in educational institutions.
Vijay also proposed various safety measures in his statement, including the installation of smart poles equipped with emergency buttons, CCTV cameras, and telephones in vulnerable areas. He also called for the provision of better restroom facilities in public spaces and the creation of mobile apps and emergency hotlines dedicated to women’s safety.
The Madras High Court has responded to the incident by setting up an all-women Special Investigation Team (SIT), consisting of IPS officers Sneha Priya, Ayman Jamal, and Brinda. The SIT is tasked with investigating not only the sexual assault but also the leak of the victim’s FIR, which has added further to the controversy.
In a significant legal move, the High Court ordered the Tamil Nadu government to provide a compensation of Rs 25 lakh to the victim. The court also directed Anna University to offer the victim free education, along with lodging, boarding, and counseling support. Additionally, the High Court issued strong warnings to the Tamil Nadu Director General of Police (DGP), calling for strict measures to prevent any future leaks of FIRs in sexual assault cases.
The incident has put immense political pressure on the ruling DMK government, with opposition parties calling for action. BJP Tamil Nadu president K Annamalai led a dramatic protest on Friday, where he whipped himself outside his home as a symbolic gesture against what he called the DMK’s failure in ensuring women’s safety.
In response to the growing outrage, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has dispatched a two-member fact-finding team to investigate the case and oversee the government’s response.
As protests continue and calls for justice intensify, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and dignity of women in educational institutions, with both the state government and law enforcement facing scrutiny over their handling of the case.
Sources By Agencies