Tamil Nadu Health Minister refutes Governor's claim of two-finger virginity tests being conducted on minors

Chennai: Stoutly refuting the allegations made by Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi that minor girls were subjected to virginity tests (two-finger test), Health Minister Ma.Subramanian said an inquiry conducted by the medical officers and a verification of the medical examination forms proved that no such test had been done in the State.

Noting that the Director General of Police had already clarified on this, he told reporters that it was necessary for the Health Department to also put out the facts.

He said the Governor, had stated that the two-finger test was conducted in connection with a child marriage in Chidambaram in Cuddalore district.

"To state something that did not happen was unbecoming for a man in the Governor’s post. But it was the duty of the Health Department to confirm that this statement was false", he added.

Mr. Subramanian said following Mr. Ravi’s remarks, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights had written to the Chief Secretary seeking a report in a week.

“Medical officers have conducted an inquiry...at the same time, the medical examination forms of the child was checked. It showed that no two-finger test was conducted,” he asserted.

On Covid cases, which had dropped below 100 (97 cases yesterday) after it rose to 500 in the State, Mr. Subramanian said with the World Health

Organisation (WHO) declaring that COVID-19 was no longer a public health emergency of international concern, personal safety was still important.

He also urged the people to wear masks while visiting crowded public places, maintain social distancing norms and wash their hands regularly. (UNI)