A shocking incident has occurred at a government-run shelter in Tambaram, Chennai, where a 13-year-old girl was reportedly sexually assaulted and left with a broken leg. The police have arrested a 37-year-old security guard named Mathew, who had been working at the shelter for seven years. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of children in such facilities.

Assault and Injury at the Shelter

The victim, a Class 8 student, had been admitted to the shelter just a week before the incident. On Sunday, she was allegedly sexually assaulted inside the shelter premises. When she tried to escape and called for help, she was attacked, resulting in a fractured leg. Other girls in the shelter heard her cries and rushed to help her. She was immediately taken to Chromepet Government Hospital, where doctors confirmed the broken leg. Later, she was moved to Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital for further treatment.

The Chitlapakkam Police began an investigation and reviewed CCTV footage. The shelter’s high compound wall made it unlikely for an outsider to enter without permission, and no unauthorised entries were recorded by the security staff. This led the police to suspect an employee. During questioning, the girl identified Mathew as the assailant, and he was arrested. The case has now been transferred to the Selaiyur All Women Police Station, which formally registered the case and took Mathew into custody.

Government response and criticism

Minister for Social Welfare and Women Empowerment, Geeta Jeevan, announced that women guards will be appointed in all government and NGO-run shelters housing women and children. She stated, “As per Chief Minister MK Stalin’s instructions, immediate and stern action will be taken against the culprit. We have also instructed authorities to appoint three women guards to replace the existing male guard.” She assured that steps would be taken to ensure the safety of women and children in shelters.

The minister explained that the warden was on leave during the incident, and only the cook was present. “The child had come down in the morning to study. "The cook had left the place when the guard had entered, which is what is being suspected,” Jeevan said. She also noted that the other children described the accused as someone who treated them like a father. “We are not sure if this is being reported because she was new. It is being investigated, and action will be taken,” she added.

The incident has drawn strong criticism from AIADMK chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami, who attacked the ruling DMK government. In a post on X, he wrote, “Shocked to hear that a girl student studying in Class 8 faced sexual assault in a government care centre by a guard.” He demanded a detailed investigation to check if other girls at the shelter had also faced assault and called for severe punishment for the accused. “The fact that a guard committed such a crime shows how criminals are unafraid of any action from this government,” Palaniswami said. He also urged the government to provide proper medical treatment for the survivor.

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