NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma has expressed concern over the scandal.
The National Commission of Women (NCW) has expressed concern over the Pollachi sexual abuse scandal that has rocked Tamil Nadu, and asked for an action taken report from the Tamil Nadu Police.
NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma on Wednesday wrote to Tamil Nadu DGP TK Rajendran, in which she underlined the need for action against those accused in the scandal.
"… it is reported that several girls and women from schools and colleges have been harassed and use (sic) the filmed video to blackmail them. The Commission is seriously concerned about the safety and security of women in the state of Tamil Nadu," read the letter.
"Considering the gravity of the matter, it is requested that appropriate action be taken as per the relevant provision of law against all of the accused and a detailed action taken report in the matter be sent to the Commission," the letter concluded.
Tamil Nadu has been rocked by the revelation that a gang in the town of Pollachi, about 50 km away from Coimbatore, has been using social media platforms like Facebook to lure young women, rape them and then use video clips of the sexual assault for further blackmail.
The gang, which in some reports is estimated to have about 20 members, used social media platforms to cultivate online friendships with young women and win their trust over time. They would then meet in person, and assault the women in moving cars or remote areas. The gang has reportedly been doing this for years.
The reports of the scandal have sparked outrage across the state, with students in Pollachi taking out demonstrations demanding action.
Police have so far not charged the accused men with rape, and have so far charged them under the Goondas Act. They say they are attempting to identify all members of the gang. Activists have been demanding that action be taken against them under more stringent laws that are aimed at dealing with sexual abuse and harassment.
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