The heart-wrenching murder of a nine-year-old girl, a fifth-grade student, whose lifeless body was discovered dumped in a sewer drain in Solai Nagar, Puducherry, has sent shockwaves through the community. Outraged relatives and the public have taken to the streets, demanding the immediate arrest and swift trial of those responsible for this heinous crime.
Police sources report that the young girl was sexually assaulted before being brutally murdered. Her decomposed body was found on March 5, three days after she went missing from her residence. The parents had filed a missing person report, initiating a police investigation.
The news of the gruesome discovery sparked spontaneous protests as locals gathered to express their anguish and demand justice. A group of women blocked the Chief Minister’s car near the legislative assembly, while civil society activists staged a demonstration on Beach Road, raising questions about the safety and security of children in the region.
To address the urgency of the situation, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to apprehend the culprits. The SIT will explore the possibility of additional individuals being involved. Presently, two suspects, 56-year-old Vivekanandan and 19-year-old Kakka alias Karuna, both residents of Muthialpet, have been detained.
Puducherry Home Minister A Namasivayam informed the media that the arrests were made under the provisions of the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) and SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) acts, as well as charges of murder and kidnapping. The post-mortem report from JIPMER is awaited, and allegations suggest that the accused were under the influence of drugs.
Chief Minister N Rangaswamy has announced a compensation of Rs 20 lakh for the grieving family. Lieutenant Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan visited the victim’s residence to pay homage and offer condolences to the bereaved family. Addressing the media, she assured that the government would ensure that the culprits face the maximum punishment.
In response to calls for the death penalty for the perpetrators, Soundararajan emphasised that while emotions run high, the law cannot be taken into individual hands. She empathized with the pain experienced by the victim’s parents, expressing her solidarity with them as a mother herself.
Promising decisive action against drug trafficking, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the need to intensify efforts to curb the menace. She referenced recent arrests in Tamil Nadu of drug addicts and hinted at potential connections in Puducherry. Assurances were given that steps would be taken to apprehend any associates involved in drug-related activities.
Held an Emergency meeting with higher officials regarding the 9-year-old girl's death in Puducherry. Shri. Srinivas,DGP,Shri.A.K.Sinha,IGP, Smt.Anita Roy,SSP,Shri.Kalaivanan, SSP, Attended the meeting Instructed officials to expedite the enquiry. pic.twitter.com/m8BX2Gu4Kp
— Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan (@DrTamilisai4BJP) March 7, 2024
The AIADMK and I.N.D.I. Allinace jointly announced a bandh on Friday, March 8, in condemnation of the government’s perceived inaction in tackling the ganja drug menace in the union territory. They demand stringent action to eradicate drug peddling and the circulation of banned substances.
Speaking on behalf of the protestors, Tamilisai Soundararajan empathised with the sentiment of the people, acknowledging their frustration. She assured that accused individuals would face swift punishment within a week through fast-track courts. Additionally, she pledged heightened vigilance to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
As reports started doing the rounds about those involved in the ghastly crime being drug addicts and peddlers, unconfirmed sources say that the postmortem report has allegedly confirmed that the girl was sexually assaulted and murdered later. The girl was found missing while she was playing near her house on March 2. Later her body was found in a jute bag. Her legs and hands were tied and a dhoti was draped on her body. Her parents, local students, women, and political parties held protests for over 5 hours on March 6. Some say, “Karuna, who took the girl earlier in the day and brought her an ice cream, was involved in sexually assaulting her. On seeing this, Vivekanandan also took his turn and raped the child. When the girl cried, he strangled her, tied her hands and feet, draped his dhoti on her body, and threw it in the sewer”.
Meanwhile, the girl was laid to rest at a burial ground in Vaithikuppam on Thursday, March 7 in the presence of a large gathering. Earlier in the day, Director General of Police B Srinivas, along with other officers visited the family of the deceased girl, placed a wreath on her mortal remains, and offered their condolences to the family. BJP MLAs A John Kumar and his son Vivilian Richards, Muthialpet MLA J Prakash Kumar, and former MLA Vaiyapuri Manikandan were among those who visited the family to offer their condolences.
In social media, netizons condemned the incident seeking justice for the girl, which was trending on Facebook and X.
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