Child sex abuse case goes to CB-CID

CHENNAI: The first bench of the Madras High Court on Tuesday transferred to the CB-CID, the investigation into the alleged sexual abuse of four-year-old girl child in a school in Kallakurichi in Villupuram district. “Taking into account the gravity of the situation, we are of the opinion that the CB-CID must take charge of the investigation and file its final report within four weeks,’’ the bench comprising Chief Justice MY Eqbal and Justice TS Sivagnanam said on Tuesday. This followed a submission from Advocate- General A Navaneethakrishnan that the State had no objection if the investigation was transferred to the CB-CID.Since the persons involved in the case were all women, a CB-CID team comprising only women would investigate the matter.The bench was passing interim orders on a public interest writ petition from A Ramalingam, a human rights activist. The petition said, the police had not taken action on the complaint filed by victim’s mother.Meanwhile, as directed on Monday, Villupuram SP N Baskar and Kallakurichi police inspector P Vivekanandan appeared before the judges on Tuesday. They expressed their inability to act against the two accused — class teacher Boshiya and AKT Matriculation School principal Lasi Bosco — as they were granted bail by the HC.Though the principal was initially arrested, she came out on bail.Following a submission from the AG, the bench also granted liberty to the police to take steps to cancel the bail given to the accused.The bench also expressed its anguish over the behaviour of the inspector in attempting to influence a doctor in Apollo Children Hospital, who examined the girl and submitted a report. The matter was adjourned by four weeks.Vivekanandan later told Express that the police had examined 14 witnesses and found two teachers were involved in the crime. “On the police part, we have done our duty,” he said.