The now sacked Mayiladuthurai district collector claimed the child "made a mistake" by spitting on her teenage attacker, holding her “partially responsible” for the vicious attack that landed her in a hospital.
Published Feb 28, 2025 | 8:57 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 01, 2025 | 5:42 AM
IAS officer AP Mahabharathi. (X)
Synopsis: A district collector in Tamil Nadu sparked outrage by suggesting a three-year-old sexual assault survivor was partially to blame for the attack, claiming the child “made a mistake” by spitting on her teenage attacker. The collector’s comments at a child welfare meeting, invited strong condemnation from various quarters.
An IAS officer in Tamil Nadu has drawn sharp criticism after suggesting a 3-year-old sexual assault survivor was partially responsible for the attack that left her hospitalised.
The incident occurred earlier this week in Seerkazhi town in Mayiladuthurai district, where a toddler was brutally assaulted by a 16-year-old male relative. The child is currently in intensive care while the accused has been arrested under a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case.
During a child welfare meeting on Friday, 28 February, the former District Collector of Mayiladuthurai, AP Mahabharathi suggested that the survivor was partially to blame for the attack, stating:
“In the case of the sexual assault of the young girl, the child also made a mistake. On the day of the incident, she had spat on the boy’s face in the morning. That could also be a reason for what happened. Therefore, we must investigate both sides of the matter.”
சீர்காழியில், மூன்றரை வயது குழந்தை பாலியல் வன்முறைக்கு உள்ளாக்கப்பட்ட சம்பவம் குறித்து மயிலாடுதுறை ஆட்சியர், அந்தக் குழந்தையின் மீதும் தவறு இருக்கிறது என்று முற்றிலும் பொறுப்பற்ற முறையில் கூறியிருக்கிறார். அவருக்கு, @BJP4Tamilnadu சார்பில் வன்மையான கண்டனத்தைத் தெரிவித்துக்… pic.twitter.com/OxoZTiEyC4
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) February 28, 2025
Mahabharathi added: “Prevention is crucial; prevention is better than cure. We need to sensitise parents of both sides about what should be taught to their children.”
The survivor was taken to a secluded spot by the attacker when she was returning home from an Anganwadi. When she cried for help, he allegedly struck her face repeatedly with a stone.
Mahabharathi’s comments prompted strong condemnation, leading to the Tamil Nadu government transferring him and appointing Erode Corporation commissioner HS Srikanth as his replacement.
Following the Mahabharathi’s remarks, DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, in a post on X, wrote: “How do people like these call themselves educated or even human? And why are we expected to tolerate it?”
Advocate BS Ajeetha, a Child Rights Activist at the Madras High Court, similarly denounced the former Collector’s statements.
“For generations, victim-shaming and blame-shifting in cases of sexual violence have persisted,” she said.
“A stark reminder of this deeply ingrained issue is the recent remarks made by a District Collector—an individual holding a significant administrative position at the district level.”
“The fact that such a senior official has made these statements underscores the extent to which misogynistic attitudes, particularly concerning sexual violence, are deeply rooted in our society. The most alarming aspect of this mindset is that even a three-year-old child is not spared from being blamed,” Ajeetha continued.
She emphasised there is “no logical basis to suggest that the actions of a three-year-old child could be the cause of a crime committed against them” and described such reasoning as “disproportionate provocation—a dangerously flawed perspective.”
Ajeetha further criticised the administrative appointment process, stating: “It is deeply concerning that a government official, who is expected to uphold the constitutional principles of equality, protection, and fundamental rights, fails to grasp or respect these very ideals. This raises serious questions about how such individuals are appointed to high-ranking administrative roles.”
“Instead of fulfilling his duty by ensuring justice and safeguarding citizens, the District Collector has stated that both sets of parents must be sensitized—when in reality, it is he who requires such sensitization first,” she added.
Noting that more than 2,000 cases of sexual violence against children are reported annually, Ajeetha warned that “justifying such crimes through victim-blaming will only embolden perpetrators rather than deter them.”
She has called for the official to “issue a public apology for his irresponsible remarks” and urged his superiors to “ensure that he undergoes proper psychological counselling to address his regressive and harmful views.”
Tamil Nadu BJP leader Annamalai strongly criticised Mahabharathi’s remarks, terming them “utterly irresponsible.”
In a post on X, he wrote: “On behalf of BJP Tamilnadu, we strongly condemn his remarks. At a time when women, schoolgirls, and children across Tamil Nadu are continuously facing sexual violence, the Chief Minister and his ministers have been blaming the victims and even disclosing their personal details.
“The District Collector’s foolish statement is merely a continuation of this disgraceful trend.”
Annamalai accused Chief Minister MK Stalin of failures to protect women and children while engaging in publicity stunts: “While indulging in publicity stunts and reading out self-congratulatory certificates, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin continues to live in a dream world. When will he finally wake up to reality?”
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
