The Chennai Police have registered a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) case against All India Hindu Mahasabha leader Srikandan, accused of sexually assaulting a minor girl between 2021 and 2023. The victim’s aunt, Nirmala, is also named as a co-accused for allegedly enabling the assault while in a relationship with Srikandan. The complaint was filed only recently, leading to the arrests of both accused.
Srikandan’s prior history of sexual harassment allegations has raised concerns about repeat offending and failures in preventive action.
Details of the Incident and Investigation
According to police sources, the minor was allegedly abused at two residences of Srikandan, Kodambakkam and Kanathur in Chennai. The victim’s aunt worked as domestic help at Srikandan’s Kodambakkam home and had the child visit frequently, providing access for the abuse to occur.
Investigations indicate that Nirmala, identified as “A2” in case records, knowingly allowed the acts to happen. Police officials said, “On this basis, the aunt has been named as a co-accused in this criminal case.” The victim’s mother lodged the complaint recently, prompting police to arrest both Srikandan and Nirmala. They remain in custody as the probe continues.
Background of the Accused and Wider Context
Srikandan’s name is linked to prior allegations of sexual harassment that came to light in 2020, involving a woman who worked in his office. These past accusations contribute to public unease about his alleged criminal pattern and the effectiveness of mechanisms intended to prevent recurrences. Nirmala, the aunt and co-accused, also carries a controversial past.
She was convicted in a prominent 2018 case for attempting to traffic college girls for sexual favours linked to a university official. This history amplifies concerns about protection of vulnerable individuals from those exploiting positions of proximity or authority.
The nature of delayed reporting emerges as a critical issue in many child sexual abuse cases. Children and their families often face multiple barriers, fear, shame, social stigma, and intimidation—which can prolong silence and complicate justice delivery. In this case, though the alleged abuse mostly took place in 2023, the complaint was made only recently, reflecting these systemic challenges.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The protection of children from sexual offences demands unwavering focus, immediate legal intervention, and a compassionate social response. This case highlights the persistent vulnerabilities minors face, even within supposed safe spaces like family homes and trusted adults. Beyond judicial processes, society must prioritise raising awareness, building supportive environments for survivors, and fostering mechanisms that encourage early disclosure without fear of reprisal.
The recurrence of individuals with prior accusations involved in fresh allegations points to gaps in monitoring and accountability. Effective measures must be instituted to prevent repeat offences while ensuring survivors receive justice and care. The Logical Indian urges communities and institutions to come together to strengthen child protection frameworks and build a culture where every child’s safety is paramount.
