CHENNAI: Asserting that Tamil Nadu was safe for women and children, chief minister M K Stalin on Wednesday assured “swift investigation and filing of chargesheet within 60 days” in the Anna University rape case. In a bid to counter the AIADMK offensive on the issue, he raked up the Pollachi sexual assault case.
“Govt will make every effort to try the case quickly through a special court and ensure that the perpetrator gets maximum punishment,” he said in the assembly.
Stalin’s criticism of previous AIADMK govt’s handling of the Pollachi sexual assault case during its tenure sparked commotion, with party members staging a walkout.
Responding to a special calling attention motion regarding the Anna University rape case, the CM described it as “a horrific act”. “If the investigation reveals that more culprits were involved, whoever they are, strict action will be taken without any mercy,” he said, commending police for quick action in arresting Gnanasekaran. With the opposition intensifying the ‘who is that sir?’ campaign, Stalin said parties could provide any evidence to the special investigation team of the high court.
On allegations of Gnanasekaran being a member of the governing DMK, Stalin said he was only a party sympathiser. “We do not deny that. He might have taken photographs with ministers and politicians… whoever it may be, even if they are DMK persons, we will take action. There is no change in that stand. He is a sympathiser and that is the truth. We did not protect him. He was arrested immediately.”
Stalin accused the opposition of indulging in “cheap activities” for publicity and political gains in a sensitive case involving a student, and said his govt would deal with crimes against women with an iron fist. “Many are trying to create a conspiracy theory by using this incident to say women are completely unsafe,” the CM said. He added surveillance cameras helped identify and arrest the accused and refuted claims of inadequate security. On the leak of the FIR, he blamed the National Informatics Centre of Union govt, while adding that state police addressed the technical glitch promptly.
The CM accused AIADMK of inaction despite evidence in the Pollachi case, in which a gang sexually assaulted women over two years. The truth emerged only after CBI took over the case, he said. “The probe clearly said the incident was committed by AIADMK members. To protect them, AIADMK enacted a big drama as if such an incident never happened.”
