Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Monday directed the law enforcement agencies across the state to register heinous crime cases at the earliest, coupled with fast-tracked investigations in cases of sexual crimes involving women and children. He laid emphasis on strict punishment for offenders in such cases.
His directives came during a high-level review meeting chaired at the State Secretariat, where he assessed the state government’s response to crimes against women and minors, preventive measures, awareness campaigns and the pace of ongoing investigations.
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay
Officials said CM Vijay stressed that cases pertaining to sexual offences must not face procedural delays, and must be treated with utmost urgency from the moment the complaints are received.
“No delay in justice”: CM’s office posts on ‘X’
A statement shared by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s office on ‘X’ on Monday read, “The Hon’ble Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Thiru S. Joseph Vijay has ordered that cases be swiftly registered against those involved in heinous crimes, investigated promptly, prosecuted and severe punishments secured.”
Move comes after girl aged 10 raped, killed in Coimbatore
The move comes days after a 10-year-old girl residing in Coimbatore, who had stepped out on Thursday to purchase groceries, went missing. She was later found dead at another locality in the city, and two suspects were detained in connection with her murder.
The accused duo were identified as Karthi and Mohan. Karthi confessed that he raped the girl and killed her, while Mohan aided him in disposing of the body. The girl’s family, meanwhile, staged sit-ins outside the Sulur Taluk police station, demanding harshest punishment against the accused.
Arrested accused duo
While Karthi has been charged with the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, Mohan has been booked for criminal conspiracy. Both the accused are in police custody, and legal proceedings against them are underway.