The Thoothukudi District Police Department has issued a warning to social media platforms.

Tamil Nadu: In the case involving the murder of a ‘Plus 2’ student, the determination of whether a sexual crime occurred will be possible only after the receipt of the post-mortem report and the investigative findings of forensic experts. Consequently, the Thoothukudi District Police Department has issued a warning stating that the girl’s photograph and name must not be circulated or posted on social media platforms (including WhatsApp).

A press release issued by the District Police Office regarding this case reads as follows:

A 17-year-old girl residing within the jurisdiction of the Kulathur Police Station left her home on the evening of the 10th of the month and failed to return. Acting upon a complaint filed by her parents, the Kulathur Police Station registered a missing person’s case and initiated an investigation. Subsequently, the girl’s body was recovered from a wooded area in the vicinity.

The police have taken custody of the girl’s body and have sent it to the Thoothukudi Government Medical College Hospital for a post-mortem examination; meanwhile, the police department (including forensic experts) is conducting a thorough investigation at the crime scene.

A popular news channel published a false report regarding this incident, carrying the headline: “Shocking News: Girl’s Body Found Dismembered Following Sexual Murder Near Vilathikulam.” The District Police have refuted this claim and clarified that the girl’s body was recovered from the crime scene in its entirety (intact). Furthermore, they emphasized that the question of whether the girl was a victim of a sexual crime can be ascertained only after the post-mortem report and the investigative findings of forensic science experts are received. No individual should disseminate false information without verifying the veracity of the investigation’s findings, nor should they create unnecessary confusion and fear among the public. With the specific intent of preventing the disclosure of the girl’s identity, no person is permitted to circulate or post her photograph or name on social media platforms (including WhatsApp). It is further stated that those who violate this directive are hereby warned that legal action will be initiated against them.