Former IGP A.G. Ponn Manickavel on Wednesday (May 27) said a senior woman police officer should lead the investigation into the sexual assault and murder case of the 10-year-old girl near Sulur in Coimbatore.Addressing media persons in Coimbatore, he urged the Tamil Nadu government to issue an order mandating that sensitive cases such as sexual assault, murder and double murder be investigated only by officers above the rank of Superintendent of Police. He said such officers should ensure that charge sheets are filed quickly and trials are completed without delay.Mr. Ponn Manickavel alleged that delays occur when senior officers do not directly take responsibility for investigations. He said there are several capable women officers in the police department who could effectively handle such sensitive cases.He further stated that investigations would progress faster if officers of the rank of Inspector General or above supervised the probe, as they could ensure quicker processing of forensic and DNA test reports. According to him, inspector-level officers often lack the authority to expedite such procedures, leading to delays in investigations.He also stressed the need for establishing DNA testing laboratories in every district to speed up forensic examination and investigation processes.Mr. Ponn Manickavel also said criticism against the newly formed TVK government should not be made in haste and that the administration must be given at least one year before it is criticised over governance.He said Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay should be fully aware of developments in the administration and should not take decisions solely based on inputs from officials. Published - May 27, 2026 05:48 pm IST