"Unraveling the Truth: NCW Raises Red Flags in Sexual Assault Investigation Amid Anna University Controversy"

AIADMK organized a state-wide demonstration aimed at criticizing the ruling DMK over a recent incident. Meanwhile, actor and TVK leader Vijay engaged in discussions with Governor RN Ravi.

A recent investigation conducted by a fact-finding team from the National Commission for Women (NCW) has revealed multiple inadequacies following the sexual assault of a second-year student at Anna University. Commission member Mamta Kumari shared the findings during a press briefing in Chennai on Monday, amidst escalating political tension surrounding the incident.

The situation intensified as the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), the main opposition party in Tamil Nadu, organized statewide protests aimed at the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government, blaming them for the incident. Meanwhile, actor and Tamil Nadu Vetriga Katchi (TVK) leader Vijay met with Governor RN Ravi to discuss the urgent need for improved safety measures for women in the state.

Kumari reported that the investigation has highlighted shortcomings not only in the university's administration but also within the police department. “We have finalized our probe and submitted our findings to the Governor, and a formal report will be presented to the commission shortly,” she stated outside the university premises. Earlier, she, along with former Maharashtra Director General of Police Praveen Dixit, who also served on the fact-finding team, engaged with both students and the university administration regarding the incident. The NCW had taken immediate action upon learning of the crime, triggered by a complaint from the BJP's state president, K. Annamalai.

The Madras High Court's decision to appoint a special investigation team (SIT) led by three senior female officers on Monday has furthered the legal proceedings. This team is in the process of securing custody of Gnanasekaran, the 37-year-old accused, from the Saidapet court. In a significant ruling, the court directed the Tamil Nadu government to provide ₹25 lakh in compensation to the victim and mandated that Anna University cover her educational expenses, holding them accountable for failing to ensure her safety on campus.

The victim's account details how she and a male friend were threatened by the assailant while they were behind a building on December 23. It was reported that the assailant first assaulted her male companion before turning his attack toward her. Following the incident, she promptly filed a report at the Kotturpuram all-women police station the following day.

The sexual assault case has ignited an outcry across Tamil Nadu, with opposition factions demanding the capture of all individuals involved. Numerous AIADMK supporters attempted to stage demonstrations throughout the state, alleging that there are additional suspects linked to the case. In response, police detained hundreds of protestors, including prominent leaders of the AIADMK, who were later released.

AIADMK leader Edappadi Palaniswami (EPS) criticized the DMK government, suggesting that they aimed to silence opposition voices that represent public sentiment. He expressed, “Our protests will persist until those responsible for this heinous act are apprehended, and the victim receives the justice she deserves.”

Furthermore, the opposition has questioned the state government and police regarding a mysterious “sir” referenced by the accused during a phone call while he was threatening the victim. EPS has raised concerns about the identity of this individual, suggesting that it indicates the involvement of other accomplices in the crime.

In response, Chennai police commissioner A. Arun clarified in a press conference that the accused had used his phone in airplane mode, feigning conversation to intimidate the victim, and he dismissed the notion of additional individuals being involved.

Actor Vijay’s visit to the governor's office was accompanied by a handwritten letter directed toward women, where he condemned the current state of affairs under the DMK regime. He expressed deep concern over the rising incidents of social atrocities against women, particularly in academic environments, and reassured the public, “Focus on your studies; we are committed to creating a safer Tamil Nadu.”

As TVK members sought to distribute Vijay’s message publicly, several were arrested but subsequently released. In light of the escalating tensions, DMK leader and state social welfare minister Geetha Jeevan accused EPS of politicizing this sensitive issue, further complicating the ongoing discourse surrounding the brutal incident.