NHRC Condemns Tamil Nadu Govt Over Coimbatore Gang Rape
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a strongly worded rebuke to the Tamil Nadu government following the alleged gang rape of a 19-year-old woman in Coimbatore, asking how many more “Nirbhaya” cases India must endure before systemic failures in women’s safety are addressed. The incident has sparked nationwide outrage, reigniting debates on police accountability, judicial delays, and political inaction.
Details of the Coimbatore Gang Rape Case
Reports indicate that the survivor, a college student, was abducted on June 10, 2024, while returning home. She was allegedly taken to a secluded location, gang-raped, and brutalized for hours before being abandoned near her residence. Police registered an FIR only after her family staged protests, raising concerns over delayed justice and police negligence.
Taking suo motu cognizance, the NHRC has demanded an explanation from the Tamil Nadu government within four weeks, citing “gross negligence” in law enforcement. The commission drew disturbing parallels to the 2012 Nirbhaya case, where systemic failures led to national outrage.
NHRC’s Demands and Warnings
In its notice, the NHRC questioned:
– “How many more Nirbhayas must suffer before India ensures women’s safety?”
The commission sought details on:
1. Arrests of all accused.
2. Compensation and medical aid for the survivor.
3. Preventive measures to avoid future crimes.
The NHRC’s intervention follows allegations that police hesitated to file an FIR, a recurring issue in sexual assault cases across India.
Political Backlash and Public Outrage
The BJP and activists have criticized Tamil Nadu’s DMK government, accusing it of failing women. BJP Tamil Nadu chief K. Annamalai tweeted:
– “DMK’s silence is deafening. Where is their ‘Dravidian model’ governance when women aren’t safe?”
The DMK defended its policies, citing fast-track courts and increased patrolling, but critics highlight poor street lighting, low conviction rates, and police apathy as persistent issues.
India’s Women’s Safety Crisis: Key Concerns
Data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reveals 1,639 reported rape cases in Tamil Nadu (2022), with many more going unreported due to:
– Delayed FIRs – Survivors struggle to file complaints.
– Victim Blaming – Families pressured to settle cases out of court.
– Slow Trials – Cases drag for years, denying justice.
Urgent Reforms Needed
Experts recommend:
✅ 24/7 Surveillance – More CCTVs and police patrols in hotspots.
✅ Police Sensitization – Better training for handling sexual assault cases.
✅ Faster Justice – Expand fast-track courts for quicker trials.
✅ Government Accountability – Regular audits of women’s safety measures.
Will Coimbatore Be a Turning Point?
The case is a painful reminder that India’s “Beti Bachao” pledge remains unfulfilled. While the NHRC’s action is a step forward, true change requires political will and societal reform.
The big question: Will Coimbatore lead to real change, or become another forgotten tragedy?
— NextMinuteNews
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