In a significant judicial intervention, the Madras High Court has mandated the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take over the probe into the alleged sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl in Anna Nagar, Chennai. The directive came from a division bench consisting of Justices S M Subramaniam and V Sivagnanam, following a Habeas corpus petition by the victim’s mother and a suo moto proceeding by the court itself.
The victim’s mother, in her plea, recounted a harrowing tale of abuse against her daughter by a neighbor. She further alleged mistreatment and physical assault at the hands of the local police, including the Inspector, when she and her husband sought to file a complaint.
The bench expressed its dissatisfaction with the local police’s handling of the investigation, citing the delay in arresting the accused despite the victim naming him. It also highlighted the inappropriate treatment of the girl’s parents and the disturbing methods used to obtain statements from the young victim.
Adding to the controversy, the court criticized the filing of an FIR against a journalist who reported the statements of the victim and her parents, calling the move unacceptable and counterproductive to the objectives of justice.
Concluding that the state police investigation had lost credibility and the confidence of the victim’s side, the bench stated, “We have arrived at an irresistible conclusion that the entire case should be transferred to the Joint Director, CBI, for continuing investigation and take all action in accordance with law.”
The bench has ordered the Anna Nagar police to hand over all case files to the CBI and directed the state police to ensure police protection for the victim’s family. This measure aims to provide them with a sense of security and peace.
