A fact-finding team appointed by the National Commission for Women (NCW) probing the Anna University sexual assault case criticised the police handling of the case, alleging that they failed to take action against the accused despite prior complaints.
During their visit, the committee engaged with university officials, the victim, her family, and relevant NGOs. Mamta Kumari, a member of the NCW’s fact-finding team, stated, “We have conducted the probe, and submitted the findings to the governor. I will give the report to the Commission… There have been shortcomings on the side of the University administration, police… I will continue my inquiry tomorrow. I have also informed the Governor about the mistreatment of the victim by the police.”
#WATCH | Alleged sexual assault case in Anna University | Chennai, Tamil Nadu: Fact-Finding Committee formed by the National Commission for Women leaves from Anna University
Mamta Kumari, a member NCW fact-finding committee says, "We have conducted the probe, and submitted the… pic.twitter.com/LKHVayOYA0
— ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2024
Regarding the alleged sexual assault, Vijaya Rahatkar, the Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW), stated, “Taking cognizance of the matter, NCW has instructed the police… It seems that the accused is a habitual offender and has committed such crimes previously but was not attended by the police… NCW has therefore constituted a fact-finding committee of two members and is meeting different people in the (Anna) University as well as the parents of the victim.”
#WATCH | Delhi | On alleged sexual assault in Anna University, Chairman of National Commission for Women (NCW), Vijaya Rahatkar says, "… Taking cognizance of the matter, NCW has instructed the police… It seems that the accused is a habitual offender and has committed such… pic.twitter.com/4Y5bhu8hJe
— ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2024
The investigation follows a statement made by the NCW on 28 December 2024, in which they confirmed that they had taken suo motu cognizance of the troubling incident at Anna University. The statement further explained that NCW Chairperson Ms Vijaya Rahatkar had established a fact-finding committee, comprising Mamta Kumari and Praveen Dixit, a retired IPS officer and former DGP of Maharashtra. The committee’s task is to thoroughly investigate the case, engage with the victim, her family, relevant authorities, and NGOs, and make recommendations for appropriate action based on their findings.
Meanwhile, the Madras High Court directed the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) consisting of three senior IPS officers to probe the alleged assault at Anna University. According to the Chennai Police, the second-year student was allegedly attacked on the university campus on the evening of 23 December 2024. One suspect has been arrested in connection with the incident.
The victim reported in her complaint to the police on 23 December 2024 that an unidentified man had assaulted her while she was conversing with a friend on campus around 8 PM. Following her complaint, a case was registered at the Kotturpuram All-Women Police Station, and an investigation is ongoing.
(With inputs from ANI)
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