Chennai

C Joseph Vijay on Monday directed the state police to immediately register cases related to sexual offences, conduct swift investigations and ensure strict punishment for those found guilty.

The chief minister reviewed the law and order situation with senior officials in Chennai, particularly in the backdrop of the recent sexual assault and murder of a 10-year-old girl in Coimbatore.

During the meeting, Vijay instructed officials to deal firmly with those involved in heinous crimes and ensure that offenders receive stringent punishment.

The review comes amid criticism from opposition parties over the law and order situation in the state. Several political parties, including the principal opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), have targeted the TVK government over incidents of murders and crimes against women.

According to an official release, the chief minister directed the Advocate General and police officials to speed up legal proceedings in sexual offence cases and strengthen preventive measures and awareness programmes related to crimes against women and children.

“Sexual assault cases should be tried expeditiously and the culprits awarded severe punishment so that it serves as a deterrent to others,” Vijay said during the meeting.

On Sunday, the chief minister had spoken to the victim’s family over the phone and assured them that justice would be delivered.

The incident involving the alleged sexual assault and murder of the child in Sulur, Coimbatore, has triggered widespread outrage across Tamil Nadu.

Two accused, including a person known to the victim, have been arrested in connection with the case.

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The meeting at the state secretariat was attended by senior officials including Chief Secretary M Saikumar, Home Secretary K Manivasan, Advocate General Vijay Narayan, Social Welfare and Women’s Rights Department Secretary Mariam Pallavi Baldev, and Director General of Police Sandeep Roy Rathore.