A sensational rape case in Tamil Nadu’s Anna University has raised new questions about the law and order situation in the state. In the case of sexual harassment and rape of a student on December 23, 2024, the police took prompt action and arrested the accused. But this case has raised serious questions on the law and order situation in the state, over which the National Commission for Women (NCW) has also expressed deep concern.
Victim’s complaint and police action
According to the victim, when she was talking to a male friend on the college campus at around 8 pm on December 23, an unknown person threatened her and raped her. The student gave complete information about this incident to the police, after which the police took immediate action and arrested the accused. The accused has been identified as Gnanasekaran of Kottur area, who runs a biryani shop on the footpath. The police have also taken a confessional statement from the accused, and he has been presented in the court.
Strong reaction from National Commission for Women (NCW)
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has strongly condemned this heinous crime and appealed to the Tamil Nadu Police to provide immediate security and assistance. NCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar said, “The accused appears to be a habitual offender, and the Tamil Nadu Police did not take appropriate action in previous cases, due to which he was able to commit this crime.” The commission has demanded the state DGP to provide free health care and security to the victim.
Along with this, the NCW also asked the Tamil Nadu Police to add Section 71 of the BNS, 2023 to the FIR, so that the accused can be given strict punishment. The Commission also directed that strict action be taken against the officials who publicly revealed the identity of the victim.
Protest: AIADMK attacks government
Tamil Nadu’s main opposition party, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) has started protesting against the government regarding this matter. The AIADMK took on the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led state government and accused it of deteriorating law and order. The party said that if action had been taken in time, such an incident could have been avoided.
The opposition party also said that the government of Chief Minister Muthuvel Karunanidhi (MK Stalin) has not taken adequate steps to curb the rising number of crimes in the state. AIADMK leaders allege that the incident is another example of increasing crimes against women in the state.
Deteriorating law and order situation in Tamil Nadu
This case is not just a crime story, but also raises serious questions about the law and order situation in Tamil Nadu. The increasing crimes in the state and increasing violence against women have put the Tamil Nadu government in the dock. Many experts believe that due to the negligence of the police and administration, criminals are succeeding in carrying out their acts, due to which the feeling of insecurity is increasing among the people.
According to statistics, there has been a steady increase in crimes against women in Tamil Nadu in the last few years. Although the state government has taken several steps to control crimes, the effect of these efforts is not visible on the ground.
Increasing pressure for protection and assistance for victims
After this case, many women’s rights organizations have demanded more strict action from the government regarding crimes against women in the state. These organizations say that the state government should implement strict security measures for women, so that such incidents are not repeated. Additionally, effective helplines and shelter homes should also be established to provide mental and physical support to the victims.
Accused’s case and court action
Now the question is what punishment will this accused receive? After arresting the accused, the police presented him in the court. The police have leveled rape, intimidation and other serious charges against the accused. His bail plea has been rejected in the court and he has been sent to judicial custody. Now it has to be seen what verdict the court gives in this case and what kind of punishment the accused gets.
Political turmoil and government failure
This case has also created a stir in politics in Tamil Nadu. While opposition parties have attacked the state government, the government has termed it a common crime. Amidst this political uproar, the most important question is whether the state government will take more stringent steps regarding women’s safety or will this be just another immediate reaction, which will not prove to be effective in the long run.
National attention and responsibility on women’s safety
This incident is a warning not only to Tamil Nadu but to the entire country. The increasing number of crimes against women, incidents of violence and sexual exploitation against them have now become a common thing. In such a situation, there is a need to tighten women safety measures across the country.
This incident in Tamil Nadu has made it clear that not only the police but all sections of the society will have to work together towards ensuring women’s safety. Also, the government should take concrete steps to prevent crimes against women, so that such incidents do not happen in future.
