The case of alleged serial sexual assault and blackmail of scores of women by a gang, suspected to be politically influential in Pollachi, has emerged the most shocking sexual crime of recent times. With political leaders, activists and general public demanding strong punishment to the gang members, the police have said action has already been initiated and no one will be spared. The Pollachi police even issued a public call for women who had been affected by the gang to file a complaint, but they have not received a single complaint from any woman.
Without using the issue for political gains, especially during the time of Lok Sabha elections, politicians should act responsibly, and, if possible, help the police in the probe. Already, the AIADMK has expelled one of its members who is allegedly involved in the crime and Deputy Speaker Pollachi Jayaraman has filed a complaint with the DGP office, alleging that he DMK was using the incident for political gain in an election year. The AIADMK’s Information Technology cell has lodged a separate complaint to the police, demanding action against those spreading propaganda against the ruling party and its leaders.
More than anything else, awareness should be created among women to come forward to file complaints. Only if the victims raise their voice, criminals can be punished. Already, four were booked under sections of the IPC including those dealing with sexual harassment (354 A) and assault (354 B). They were also booked under sections of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Tamilnadu Prohibition of Women’s Harassment Act. The police say they are contemplating slapping the Goondas Act on the others. But, this is not sufficient. The government should set up a special investigation team, and, if possible, a special court, to ensure justice to the victims at the earliest.