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Minor girls were subjected to sexual abuse during fake National Cadet Corps camps held at private schools
The Madras High Court on Thursday, September 19, 2024, ordered the Tamil Nadu government to provide ex-gratia financial compensation to victims of sexual abuse at fake National Cadet Corps (NCC) camps held at private schools in the State last month.
Court ordered Rs 5 lakh each compensation to the two schoolgirls who were allegedly subjected to penetrative sexual assault and Rs 1 lakh each to other victims who faced sexual abuse at these fake camps organized at private schools in Bargur, Krishnagiri and Tiruchengode.
The division bench of Acting Chief Justice D Krishnakumar and Justice PB Balaji ordered the compensation to be deposited in the Krishnagiri Mahila Court within four weeks and advised victims' families to seek help from the district legal services authority to withdraw the funds.
On September 12, the court had expressed dissatisfaction with the ongoing investigation into the sexual assault of girls at the camp organized at a private school in Krishnagiri.
The court had pressed for answers regarding the mysterious death of Sivaraman, the prime accused, and questioned investigators about individuals linked to him.
During the hearing of a public interest litigation filed by advocate AP Suryaprakasam, who has called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, the Acting Chief Justice-led bench had expressed concerns over the lack of progress in the investigation. The judges had then urged investigators to uncover the connections between Sivaraman and those involved in organizing the fake camp.
Concerns arose from a report submitted by the district legal services authority, which revealed that some parents were reluctant to let their children continue studying at the private school, fearing for their safety.
During the earlier hearing, court had noted alarming details about one of the camp’s trainers, who allegedly possessed firearms and had threatened the boys with violence, including cutting off their fingers, should they disclose what had occurred.
Representing the government, Advocate General PS Raman had then informed the court that three First Information Reports (FIRs) had been registered, and 18 individuals had been arrested.
The Advocate General had also updated the court on the state of the private school, announcing that a government order was expected soon to appoint a special officer to manage the institution.
On Thursday, court allowed the State government to recover the compensation amount from the relevant school management. Additionally, it directed the police to submit a detailed status report on the investigation's progress.
The matter will be heard next on September 30, 2024.
Case Title: AP Suryaprakasam v State of Tamil Nadu and Others
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