Safeguarding Students: New Measures Proposed for Campus Security

A fact-finding panel investigating a sexual assault at Anna University proposes increased access control, CCTV installations, and audio-visual FIR recordings. The panel recommends supervision by senior police officers and fast-tracking trials, aiming to bolster women's safety and ensure justice in sensitive assault cases.

A fact-finding committee investigating the alleged sexual assault of a 19-year-old student at Anna University has recommended a series of security measures. The panel, led by former Maharashtra DGP Praveen Dixit, suggests enhanced access control on college campuses and frequent monitoring of CCTV systems to prevent unauthorized entries.

Dixit, representing the National Commission for Women, also calls for audio-visual recordings of FIRs to maintain factual integrity and urges senior police officers, including women, to lead these investigations. The recommendations include placing CCTV cameras in public transport and implementing emergency alarm buttons in cabs for added safety.

The report, which will be submitted to the NCW, emphasizes the need for fast-tracking sexual assault trials and deploying special prosecutors in these cases. It advocates for regular security audits, prompt medical examinations, and increased preventive actions against known offenders. Awareness campaigns and the 112 India app are also suggested to educate and assist the public against sexual crimes.

(With inputs from agencies.)