<![CDATA[Chennai: The launch of ‘Unmaking of a Monster’, a documentary by transgender activist Ms. Apsara Reddy was attended by the Police Commissioner Mr. A.K. Viswanathan on Tuesday. During the launch The Commissioner said that the rights should be first available to the victim and not for the accused. The different facts of life inside the Puzhal prison has been revealed through this documentary. Different prisoners have been interviewed by Ms. Reddy including child rape accused Daswanth, who claimed to be innocent, and Perarivalan, a life convict in the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, on their experiences in jail. Mr. Viswanathan said that there is a strong presence of human rights supporting the cause of the accused persons, however very few support systems are available for the victims. Even that is not present in an organized manner. There is a need to strengthen this support system for the victims and the community should play a major role in doing so. He said that there are two schools of thought in which one include the matter relating to the question whether to release heinous crime accused if they repent or should they be condemned and left in the prison itself. He added saying that he doubts if there are any successful models in the world for reformation and rehabilitation for such convicts. The Commissioner said the horror of a child rape victim cannot be exaggerated. They experience the pain throughout their life. He explained saying that the Tamil Nadu police is taking many measures to ensure safety of women and children. The State is a pioneer in introducing the All Women Police station. There are 35 All Women Police Stations in Chennai alone. This year alone, a total of 363 children have been rescued from begging. The Child Helpline 1098 gets 2,000 calls per month and the women helpline 1091 receives over 500 calls per month, he added. The Police have a serious minded approach in handling crime against women and children. This will continue he said. Health Secretary Mr. J. Radhakrishnan , actor Ms. Gautami, film director Mr. Vetrimaran and leading gynaecologist Ms. Kamala Selvaraj and others participated. A panel discussion on death for child rapists was held. ]]>
