In response to mounting opposition pressure over the increasing incidents of sexual crimes against women and children in Tamil Nadu, State Chief Secretary N Muruganandam held a detailed review meeting on Wednesday with senior officials of the home department and top police officers. The discussion focused on optimizing safety measures for women and children across the state.Though the state government has not officially disclosed the outcomes of the meeting, sources indicate that Muruganandam directed the police force to intensify preventive measures against sexual violence. The review comes in the wake of shocking crimes, including the Krishnagiri case, where a Class 8 girl was sexually abused by three teachers at a government school, and a similar incident in a private school in Trichy.
Adding to the public outcry, the recent assault of a pregnant woman, who was sexually attacked and thrown from a moving train near Vellore, has further intensified the demand for stricter action.
The state administration has been in damage control mode following the amendment of laws aimed at enforcing harsher punishments for sexual offenders, particularly after the Anna University sexual assault case.
On the same day that Opposition Leader Edappadi K Palaniswami criticized the DMK government for failing to ensure women’s safety, Chief Secretary Muruganandam met with DGP Shankar Jiwal and senior police officers to strategize on bolstering security measures. With growing public concern, the state government faces increasing pressure to implement effective policies that curb such crimes.