65 pc of rape victims in TN are kids: Madurai NGO

Speaking to DT Next, A Kathir, Executive Director, Evidence, said, "In Tamil Nadu, around 2,000 rape cases are registered in the State every year. Out of the total cases, 60 to 65 per cent victims were children below the age of 18."

Recently, a 14-year-old tribal girl from Mattukaranchavadi village near Vanur in Villupuram district, was gang raped by a three-member gang. Evidence carried out investigation in the field and came out with a report demanding the accused be detained under the Goondas Act.

Kathir said that the incident happened on April 6, when the girl, studying Class 9 went for tuition. As she did not return from the tuition, her mother had gone to the tuition centre but she learnt that the girl had not gone to the tuition.

Though the mother searched her daughter in several places, she could not be found but later in the night she reached the house and narrated the horrific incident. “In the field investigation, it was established that the girl was in love with a youth from the same locality but she avoided him after knowing his true character. On the day of incident, the youth lured the girl to an isolated place and called his friends and gang raped her”, said Kathir.

He also said that the incident happened shortly after the Pollachi incidents but was not highlighted in the media and hence the victim's family was left without any justice. “The three accused in the case should be booked under the Goondas Act and bail should not be granted to them till the completion of the case," said Kathir, seeking compensation for the family.