In a recent hearing, the Madras High Court expressed its shock over a report detailing alleged sexual abuses at a counterfeit National Cadet Corps (NCC) camp in Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu. The report, compiled by the Tamil Nadu State Legal Services Authority (TNSLSA), was discussed during a Public Interest Litigation hearing aimed at transferring the case’s investigation from local police to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The first bench, led by Acting Chief Justice D Krishnakumar and Justice P B Balaji, reviewed the TNSLSA findings which revealed disturbing actions by the camp instructors, including threats against students using firearms to suppress any discussion of the events. According to the report, the main accused, now deceased, Sivaraman, and other organizers conducted activities like a campfire within the school premises, mingling inappropriately with the students.
This revelation came after the court had previously directed TNSLSA to visit the school and gather first-hand accounts from students, teachers, and parents, which formed the basis of the report.
The Additional Advocate General, J Ravindran, informed the court about steps taken following the court’s directives, including a show-cause notice issued to the implicated school. The unsatisfactory response from the school led to a recommendation for appointing a Special Officer to oversee the school’s administration. Moreover, the Krishnagiri District Educational Officer has escalated the issue to the Director of Private Schools.
During the proceedings, it was also disclosed that interim compensation had been awarded to the victims through the Fast Track Mahila Court. P S Raman, the Advocate General, added that the accused, Sivaraman, had allegedly committed suicide by consuming rat poison following the incident, and further actions are pending against three other schools where similar unauthorized NCC camps were held.
