Thiruvananthapuram: The Thrissur police has ordered a preliminary investigation against CPM district secretary K. Radhakrishnan for revealing the name of the gang- rape victim of Wadakkanchery before mediapersons on Friday. By disclosing her identity, Mr Radhakrishnan violated section 228 A of IPC and the Supreme Court guidelines on protecting the identity of such victims. Special assistant police commissioner Baburaj has been asked to conduct a probe into the issue. Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women has registered a suo motu case against Mr Radhakrishnan and summoned him to appear before it in person.
At a press conference on Friday, Mr Radhakrishnan not only revealed the name of the victim but also said if the name of the accused could be disclosed, why not the identity of the other party as well. According to section 228 A of IPC, whoever prints or publishes the name or any matter which may make known the identity of any person against whom an offence under section 376, section 376 A, section 376 B, section 376 C or section 376 D is alleged or found to have been committed, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years and shall also be liable to fine.
Meanwhile, CPI state secretary Kanam Rajendran said that action should be taken as per the law. Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala demanded the registration of a case against Mr Radhakrishnan for grave violation of the IPC and Supreme Court guidelines on protecting the identity of rape victims. KPCC president V.M. Sudheeran also demanded strict action against Mr Radhakrishnan. “He is a former speaker and aware of the law and SC guidelines. He made the statement deliberately,” he added.
