CHENNAI: Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Monday assured the State Assembly that the government would take action in the case relating to the alleged sexual assault on a 13-year-old hearing-impaired girl in Krishnagiri, according to the directions of the Madras High Court as the matter was pending in the court.
Replying to a question raised by CPM floor leader A Soundarrajan during the discussion on the motion of thanks to the Governor’s address, the Chief Minister said the State government had no hesitation in rendering justice to the affected and bringing the guilty to the book. He said protection had been provided to the victim’s family and the investigation was on.
Denkanikottai All Women Police had filed a case based on the complaint given by the victim’s father. Action had been taken against officials at the Anchetty police station for not inquiring the incident properly. The sub-inspector and a head constable of the station had been suspended and departmental action initiated against the inspector, the Chief Minister said. Previous enmity existed between two families in a village coming under Anchetty police division in Krishnagiri district.
On December 25, 2014, there was a quarrel between them and the 13-year-old hearing-impaired girl belonging to one of the families was found in an unconscious state at a field. The girl, through gestures, had conveyed that two men and two women assaulted and kicked her. She was admitted for treatment to the Denkanikottai hospital. In a complaint filed by the girl’s father on 31 December 2014, it was alleged that Muthappa, Madhappa, Rudrappa and Siddhalingappa, belonging to the same village, had sexually assaulted her.
A case was then registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act 2012. The affected girl was sent to the Hosur GH, for medical examination and her confession was recorded with the help of a teacher for the hearing impaired. The doctor who examined her opined that she was not sexually assaulted. However, the four accused had been arrested.When the girl’s father filed a petition in the HC, demanding the transfer of the case to the CBI, the court ordered a medical examination in the Dharmapuri GH.
The Dharmapuri GH ‘s report found injuries on the girl’s thighs and chest. Since, the reports were contradictory, further explanation had been sought from the doctor.