A statement by Tamil Nadu’s Mayiladuthurai District Collector, AP Mahabharathi, in connection to a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) case involving a three-year-old triggered widespread outrage. In his statement, he appeared to justify the actions of the accused. Addressing the recent sexual assault of a three-and-a-half-year-old child in Seerkazhi, the Collector suggested that the victim’s behaviour may have provoked the attack.
“As per the report I got, the child spat on the boy’s face that morning. That may be the reason. We have to compulsorily look at both sides,” Mahabharathi said, seemingly offering sympathy to the perpetrator. He further stated that parents must take responsibility for preventing such incidents. “Prevention is better than cure. Parents must sensitise their toddler kids. We have to enhance the sensitisation, we can’t tell the toddlers, parents should do it,” he added, noting that the government would take steps to call parents for awareness programmes.
His remarks have sparked widespread fury on social media, with many condemning his insensitivity and accusing him of victim-blaming. The statement has also drawn sharp political reactions, with BJP Tamil Nadu president K Annamalai issuing a strong condemnation.
“The Mayiladuthurai District Collector has claimed that the 3.5-year-old victim also bears some blame in the horrific sexual assault case. On behalf of BJP Tamil Nadu, we strongly condemn his outrageous remarks,” Annamalai posted on X.
He further accused the ruling DMK government of a pattern of victim-blaming, stating, “At a time when women, schoolgirls, and even young children across Tamil Nadu continue to face increasing sexual violence, it is appalling that the Chief Minister and his ministers have repeatedly resorted to revealing private details of survivors. The District Collector’s senseless statement is merely a continuation of this disturbing trend.”
A three-year-old girl was left with a disfigured face after resisting an alleged sexual assault by her 16-year-old relative. She was also repeatedly struck on the face with a stone, severely injuring her eye. The child lost consciousness, and the accused fled. Her parents later found her and rushed her to JIPMER, where she remains in the ICU.
The All Women Police later arrested the 16-year-old based on the parents’ complaint, were further investigating the case.
