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215 Officials Convicted in Vachathi Atrocities

In a momentous verdict, the Madras High Court delivered justice by upholding a sessions court's ruling that found 215 officials, including forest, police, and revenue department personnel, guilty of egregious crimes, including sexual assault, during a harrowing 1992 raid in Vachathi, a tribal village in Tamil Nadu's Dharmapuri district.

In a momentous verdict, the Madras High Court delivered justice by upholding a sessions courtโ€™s ruling that found 215 officials, including forest, police, and revenue department personnel, guilty of egregious crimes, including sexual assault, during a harrowing 1992 raid in Vachathi, a tribal village in Tamil Naduโ€™s Dharmapuri district.

Also Read: Pilibhit Rape Survivors Denied Female Doctors

Justice P. Velmurugan, in his ruling, acknowledged the compelling and consistent evidence presented by the victims and prosecution witnesses. The incident, which occurred on June 20, 1992, during a sandalwood smuggling investigation, led to the widespread destruction of property and livestock, with 18 women becoming victims of brutal sexual assault.

In 2011, a sessions court in Dharmapuri had already found 126 forest personnel, including high-ranking officers, policemen, and revenue officials, guilty in connection with the case. Out of the 269 accused, 54 passed away during the trial, while the remaining 215 were sentenced to varying prison terms.

The High Courtโ€™s decision not only affirmed the guilt of the accused but also demanded immediate action. The court directed the sessions court to secure the custody of all convicted individuals for serving their remaining sentences. Furthermore, Justice Velmurugan ordered the Tamil Nadu government to promptly compensate each rape survivor with Rs 10 lakh, as previously mandated by a 2016 division bench ruling. Notably, half of this compensation will be recovered from the convicted offenders.

Taking a strong stand against administrative lapses, the court called for stringent actions against the then District Collector, Superintendent of Police, and District Forest Officer, who had shielded the culprits, leading to the victimization of innocent villagers.

Recognizing the need for holistic justice, Justice Velmurugan also directed the state government to ensure appropriate employment, either through self-employment initiatives or permanent jobs, for the 18 survivors or their family members. Moreover, the government was instructed to report back to the court on the measures taken to improve livelihoods and living conditions in Vachathi village post the incident, ensuring that the triumph of justice translates into tangible improvements for the community.

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Pilibhit Rape Survivors Denied Female Doctors

Zaina Afzal Kutty
Between June 1 and September 28, a shocking 70 out of 79 rape survivors, including 5 minors, bravely declined medical examinations by male gynaecologists at the very hospital meant to offer them solace.

In the heart of Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, a deeply unsettling irony plagues the district womenโ€™s hospital. Built with the intent to provide specialized care for women, the hospital finds itself without women doctors, a stark contradiction that was recently brought to light by Times of India. Between June 1 and September 28, a shocking 70 out of 79 rape survivors, including 5 minors, bravely declined medical examinations by male gynaecologists at the very hospital meant to offer them solace.

Also Read: Maharashtra: Teen Girl Gangraped In Palghar, Eight Apprehended

The trauma of sexual assault is immeasurable, and survivors, already burdened with pain, felt violated anew at the prospect of being examined by male doctors. The absence of female doctors stemmed from the retirements of the hospitalโ€™s female medical superintendent, Dr. Anita Chaurasia, and gynaecologist, Dr. Kamla Mishra. The reins of the hospital are now in the hands of male medical superintendent, Dr. Rajesh Kumar, and male gynaecologist, Dr. KK Bhatt.

Legal experts have pointed out the alarming breach of the law and a survivorโ€™s constitutional right to privacy. Madhu Ranjan Pandey, a senior lawyer from Prayagraj, highlighted that the Criminal Procedure Code expressly mandates examinations of rape survivors by female medical officers. The lack of this option is not just a violation; itโ€™s an affront to justice.

Under Section 27 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, itโ€™s crystal clear that a rape victim below 18 years must be examined solely by a lady doctor. Yet, in this hospital, this basic right is denied. Shraddha Saxena, a Supreme Court lawyer, emphasized the blatant disregard for constitutional rights, citing Articles 14 and 21.

The consequences are dire. A survivorโ€™s refusal of medical examination due to a male doctorโ€™s presence could potentially acquit the accused during the court trial, a horrifying prospect for those seeking justice. Whatโ€™s equally concerning is the lack of awareness among survivors and their families regarding the legal implications of their refusal.

This issue demands immediate attention. Gender equality in medical care isnโ€™t just about numbers; itโ€™s about human dignity, empathy, and justice. Itโ€™s a plea for society to uphold fundamental rights, especially in the face of vulnerability. As the survivorsโ€™ cries for justice echo through the corridors of the hospital, urgent action is not just a necessity; itโ€™s a moral obligation that society must fulfil.

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