CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has directed a special court handling cases under the Pocso Act to conduct a speedy trial in a child sexual assault case registered at Anna Nagar.
Disposing of a suo motu case initiated by the court, along with a habeas corpus petition filed by the victim’s mother, a division bench of justices P Velmurugan and M Jothiraman directed that the trial be conducted on a day-to-day basis and concluded at the earliest.
The bench also instructed the police to provide adequate protection to the victim and her family to ensure a fair trial. “Having regard to the allegations and the apprehensions expressed, the respondent police are directed to extend adequate protection to the victim girl and her parents and ensure the trial proceeds in a fair and expeditious manner in accordance with the law,” the order stated.
Further, the court directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to carry out a fair, impartial and expeditious probe into the case, with regard to the disclosure of the victim’s identity.
Noting that interim compensation had already been granted, the bench asked the trial court to determine the quantum of compensation in accordance with the law while delivering its judgment.
The court said the authorities must carry out independent disciplinary proceedings against the woman inspector, strictly in line with applicable service rules and without being influenced by the pending criminal case.
The case dates back to August 2024, when the minor girl fell ill, leading to the discovery of the alleged assault by a boy. A complaint was lodged at an AWPS, but appropriate action was not taken.
The then inspector Raji was accused of assaulting the victim’s parents in an attempt to shield the accused, allegedly under the influence of an AIADMK functionary. The incident triggered public outrage, prompting the HC to take suo motu cognisance and order a probe by the CBI.
However, the Supreme Court later stayed the CBI probe on an appeal by the state government and instead directed that the investigation be carried out by an SIT.
The SIT subsequently arrested the inspector and the AIADMK functionary, identified as Sudhakar.