Chennai, June 18:
DMK Rajya Sabha MP P Wilson has urged the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), New Delhi, to initiate suo moto cognizance of rising child sexual abuse cases in Tamil Nadu and the apparent systemic failures in child protection mechanisms.
In a letter to its Chairperson, he cited media reports and said on 15 June 2026, as many
as 12 cases of sexual assault involving children and women were reported within a span
of 24 hrs.
Among these was the horrific rape and murder of a three-year-old girl
in Gummidipoondi, Tiruvallur district. The report further highlighted the sexual abuse of
seven other minor girls and several incidents involving children across areas in Tamil Nadu including Avadi, Tambaram, Manimangalam, Kattupakkam, Mylapore, Perambur, and Ambattur.
Reports suggest that more than 25 child sexual abuse cases have come to light in Tamil Nadu during the past 15 days, indicating a deeply disturbing trend that raises serious concerns regarding the safety and security of children in the State.
The situation is further aggravated by significant institutional and administrative deficiencies
within the child protection system. It is reported that the post of Director of Child Welfareand Special Services (formerly Social Defence) remains vacant. This position is crucial for the effective implementation and monitoring of important child protection legislations, including the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, the Protection of
Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, and the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act.
The convergence of rising incidents of child sexual abuse and the weakening of institutional
support mechanisms points towards a grave child rights crisis that warrants urgent intervention by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights. The safety, dignity, and well-being of children cannot be compromised, and any delay in addressing these
concerns may result in further harm to vulnerable children.
The Commission’s attention is invited to Section 13 of the Commission for Protection of
Child Rights Act 2005 (Act 4 of 2005).
Stating that the NCPCR has powers to take suo motu on matters relating to non implementation of laws
providing for protection and development of children, he said in view of the above facts and
circumstances and in view of the Act 4 of 2005 , I he requested Commission to take suo moto cognizance of the matter and initiate appropriate action.
He also further requested the Commission to direct the concerned authorities in Tamil Nadu to
strengthen preventive and enforcement measures, ensure prompt registration and
investigation of cases, and facilitate speedy justice for victims under the provisions of the
POCSO Act and other relevant laws.
“I also request the Commission to conduct a thorough inquiry into the systemic and administrative failures affecting child protection services in the State, including the prolonged
vacancy in the office of the Director of Child Welfare and Special Services and the reported
non-payment of salaries and honorarium to Child Helpline personnel and Child Welfare
Committee members”, he said in the letter.
“Appropriate directions may kindly be issued to the State Government
to fill critical vacancies, release pending payments without delay, and implement effective
measures to prevent further incidents and strengthen the child protection framework”, he added.
Considering the gravity of the situation and the increasing vulnerability of children, Wilson urged the Commission to intervene at the earliest in the larger public interest and in fulfilment of its mandate to safeguard the rights and welfare of children.