NCW Initiates Investigation Into Anna University Student’s Sexual Assault

Anna University case

The National Commission for Women on Monday has initiated an inquiry into the sexual assault of a female student on the Anna University campus.

A 2-member fact-finding team, comprising NCW member Mamta Kumari and retired IPS officer Praveen Dixit, who is also the special rapporteur for the Maharashtra and Goa zone of the NHRC, is leading the investigation. The committee will review the First Information Report filed in the case, examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, and evaluate the actions taken by authorities.

As part of their investigation, the team plans to visit the crime scene within the university, interact with officials, the survivor, her family, friends, and NGOs to gather comprehensive details. The NCW, in its earlier statement, emphasized its commitment to suggesting measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The commission also issued a notice to the Tamil Nadu DGP, taking suo moto cognizance of the matter.

Case Insights

The assault occurred on December 23, when a second-year engineering student was attacked on the Guindy campus. According to the survivor’s complaint, she was speaking with a male friend when a man confronted them, assaulted her friend, and then forced her into performing sexual acts. The accused, 37-year-old Gnanasekaran, a biryani seller, was arrested a day after the complaint was filed.

Following the incident, Anna University has implemented stricter security protocols to enhance campus safety. Measures include regulated entry to prevent unauthorized access and the deployment of 140 security personnel who patrol the premises in three shifts to ensure 24/7 surveillance.

The NCW’s inquiry aims to uncover the facts surrounding the case while holding authorities accountable for their response.

The commission has also highlighted the importance of creating a safer environment for students and will recommend actionable steps to prevent similar occurrences.

This tragic event underscores the urgent need for enhanced campus safety measures and swift action against perpetrators of such crimes. The NCW’s intervention is a critical step toward justice for the survivor and ensuring safer educational institutions.