CHENNAI: Taking suo motu cognisance of a report about the alleged stalking and harassment of a college student in Chennai and a subsequent machete attack on her father and brother, the National Commission for Women has sought a detailed action taken report from the State police within seven days.
Commission chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar directed the Head of Police Force of Tamil Nadu to ensure a prompt, thorough, and time-bound investigation into the case. The commission also sought use of forensic evidence in the investigation, adequate protection for the victim and her family, and strict legal action against all the accused.
According to the commission, the incident involved repeated stalking and harassment of the woman, followed by a brutal attack on her father and brother when they objected.
The commission strongly condemned the incident and expressed grave concern over what it described as escalating violence against women and their families.
"The incident, involving repeated stalking and harassment of a college student followed by a brutal machete attack on her father and brother, raises serious concerns about women's safety in public spaces," NCW said in a social media post.
"The commission has strongly condemned this horrific act and expressed grave concern over such escalating violence," it added.
The incident happened in Villivakkam on March 26 when a gang of five men attacked a man and his father with machetes for questioning them for harassing his college-going sister.
After she informed her family, her brother Gopi (23) confronted Kamesh and issued a warning, resulting in a heated argument and a scuffle. Police said the attack was an act of retaliation planned by Kamesh.
Last Thursday, when Gopi was parking his motorcycle after returning home in the evening, a group of men led by Kamesh confronted him and attacked with machetes. When his father, Thirumal Murugan (52), rushed out hearing his cries, he too was assaulted before the assailants fled.
The police traced and arrested Kamesh, Prasanna, Devendran, Ajithkumar, and Inock. All five were produced before a magistrate and remanded in judicial custody.