Anna University Sexual Assault Probe: Fact-Finding Mission and Protests Unfold

A fact-finding committee from the National Commission for Women visited Anna University amid a sexual assault scandal involving a 19-year-old student. Protests erupted demanding government accountability, while a Special Investigation Team has been established. The committee's investigation highlights administrative lapses as authorities push for justice.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) dispatched a two-member fact-finding committee to Anna University on Monday, following allegations of a sexual assault involving a 19-year-old student at the Chennai institution. The committee engaged with university officials, the victim, her family, and non-governmental organizations to gather insights into the incident and assess lapses in protocols.

According to Mamta Kumari, a member of the NCW committee, a preliminary report has been submitted to the governor. Kumari, confident that justice will prevail, indicated shortcomings within both the university's administration and law enforcement's handling of the incident. Her continued investigation aims to address these gaps. The NCW affirmed its proactive stance through a post on X, with chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar appointing Kumari alongside Praveen Dixit to guide the inquiry.

In Delhi, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) members demonstrated outside the Tamil Nadu House, condemning the state administration's response. Protesters called for the resignation of the Chief Minister, enraged by the failure to protect students in state-run institutions. Concurrently, the Madras High Court has mandated the formation of a Special Investigation Team to further probe the case, after Anna University campus witnessed an alleged assault on December 23.

(With inputs from agencies.)