The National Commission for Women (NCW) fact-finding team has concluded its preliminary investigation into the sexual assault of a 19-year-old student at Anna University in Chennai. The team also met Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi to discuss the findings.
The incident occurred on the university campus on the night of October 23 at around 7:45 PM. Taking cognizance of the case, the NCW formed a two-member fact-finding team comprising NCW member Mamta Kumari and retired IPS officer Praveen Dixit. The team has been conducting investigations on the ground in Chennai.
As part of the inquiry, the team inspected the university campus to determine the number of CCTV cameras installed, how many were operational, and identified any lapses in campus security.
The team also investigated how the accused, Gnanasekaran from Kotturpuram, gained access to the campus and probed who leaked sensitive details about the victim. They questioned officials at the Kotturpuram Women’s Police Station regarding these issues.
After completing their initial inquiries, the NCW team briefed Governor Ravi, who is also the Chancellor of Anna University, on their findings.
Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the directive of the Madras High Court. The SIT comprises IPS officers Bhukya Sneha Priya, Ayman Jamal, and Brinda.
The SIT has obtained documents related to the case from the Kotturpuram Womenâs Police Station and is delving into the background of the accused, Gnanasekaran.
In connection with the case, the SIT has issued summons to 14 individuals who reportedly accessed the First Information Report (FIR) and downloaded its details. These individuals will be questioned as part of the ongoing investigation.
This case has garnered widespread attention, with authorities focusing on ensuring justice for the victim and addressing lapses in campus safety to prevent such incidents in the future.