AIADMK to Hold Protest on February 18 Against Crimes Targeting Women in Tamil Nadu
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Synopsis
AIADMK's K. Palaniswami announces a protest in Chennai to condemn the DMK government's inaction against rising crimes, especially sexual offenses against women and children.
Key Takeaways
- AIADMK's protest scheduled for February 18 in Chennai
- Protest led by K. Palaniswami and party leaders
- Focus on escalating sexual crimes against women and children
- Calls for stringent government action to address crime
- Recent high-profile sexual assault cases highlight concerns
Chennai, Feb 12 (NationPress) AIADMK general secretary and opposition leader of Tamil Nadu, K. Palaniswami (EPS), announced on Wednesday that the party's student faction will organize a protest in Chennai in response to the DMK government's alleged negligence in addressing recent cases of sexual crimes against women and children in the state.
EPS stated that former minister B. Valarmathi and the student wing leader Singai G. Ramachandran will spearhead the protest near Valluvar Kottam in Chennai, commencing at 10:30 a.m on February 18.
This demonstration aims to urge the DMK government to take stringent action against those committing such crimes, as emphasized by Palaniswami.
Edappadi K.Palaniswami, who previously served as Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister, claimed that since the DMK assumed power, crimes like murder, robbery, and kidnapping, alongside sexual offenses against women and children, have surged.
He remarked, 'The law and order situation in Tamil Nadu has significantly worsened due to these incidents.'
The AIADMK general secretary further pointed out that the rise in sexual offenses against women and children can be attributed to the inefficacy of the DMK government, which has left parents of school-age children deeply concerned about the safety of their children.
Recently, a 13-year-old student from a government school in Bargur, Krishnagiri district accused three of her teachers of rape. This alleged crime, occurring in early January, was only revealed on February 3 when school officials visited the girl's home due to her extended absence.
During this visit, the girl revealed the assault, which reportedly happened in a school toilet. Following her disclosure, the headmistress and the block education officer lodged a complaint, resulting in the arrest of the three accused teachers on February 4.
Superintendent of Police P. Thangadurai indicated that the police and the Child Welfare Committee visited the girl at her residence before escorting her to a One-Stop Centre at Krishnagiri Government Medical College Hospital for assistance.
The accused teachers have denied the allegations but have been suspended while an investigation is conducted. An initial inquiry by the School Education Department found no complaints against them from other students or staff.
Krishnagiri District Collector Dhinesh Kumar confirmed that the girl is receiving psychological support from mental health professionals.
In a separate incident, Tamil Nadu Police apprehended a science teacher at a government school in Yercaud, Salem, on February 9 for sexually abusing ten female students.
The accused, Ilayakannu (37), was taken into custody by the Yercaud Police on February 9 and charged under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act.
Ilayakannu, who taught science to 10th and 12th graders, allegedly assaulted ten girls.
The situation came to light when one victim reported the abuse to the headmistress and sought action against the teacher.
The headmistress promptly informed the Education Department officials and the District Child Protection Unit.
An investigative team visited the school and interrogated the students.
Preliminary findings corroborated that the teacher had abused ten students. Based on the District Child Protection Unit's complaint, the Kondalampatti All Women’s Police Station registered a case under the POCSO Act and arrested Ilayakannu.
