In Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore, the Pollachi sexual assault case concludes with nine perpetrators sentenced to life imprisonment six years after the incidents. Judge R. Nandhini Devi, while delivering the verdict, also ordered compensation of 8.5 million rupees for eight victims. The convicted include Rishwanth alias N Sabarirajan, K Thirunavukkarasu, M Satish, T Vasanthakumar, R Manivannan alias Mani, P Babu alias 'Bike' Babu, K Arulanandham, T Haronimus Paul, and M Arun Kumar.
All accused are aged between 30 and 39 and were brought to court from Salem Central Jail under tight security. Special public prosecutor for CBI, Surendra Mohan, reported that all nine faced charges under IPC sections 376D (gangrape) and 376(2)(n) (repeated gangrape). The court pronounced them guilty, handing life sentences ranging from one to five terms, with Thirunavukkarasu receiving the harshest punishment.
Alongside the sentences, the judge imposed a collective fine of 1.5 lakh rupees on the nine. Special prosecutor Jisha of the Coimbatore women's court noted that despite the case's sensitivity, no witness turned hostile, and victims' identities were kept confidential. During the trial, eight women bravely testified, marking a crucial step in a lengthy and fraught legal journey. She added, "The honorable court's decision marks the conclusion to the highly sensitive Pollachi case ongoing for six years, with all nine accused found guilty."
Source: aajtak
The Unveiling of Grievous Acts
In February 2019, a 19-year-old college student courageously reported her ordeal to the police, unfolding the grim tale. The young woman recounted how familiar men lured her into a car under false pretenses and gang-raped her, filming the heinous act to subsequently blackmail her into silence through repeated abuse. Following her report, legal proceedings commenced under relevant sections of India’s justice code.
Police investigations revealed distressing layers of widespread abuse, showing the ordeal was not isolated but part of a terrifying pattern involving numerous girls. The perpetrators strategized over social media like Facebook and Instagram, developing trust to lure victims to secluded spots for their vile acts, then manipulated them via potentially viral explicit videos.
Over 100 Girls Fallen Victim
In this extended exploitation, the criminals demanded money from the victims, using intimidation tactics if they refused submission. An estimated 100 girls, mainly students, endured ongoing exploitation but couldn't publicly disclose the abuse out of fear. However, one student's bravery in reporting led to a significant, albeit belated, legal recourse. With family support, she turned her trauma into a forefront legal battle by registering a formal complaint.
Source: aajtak
Taking place around 550 km from Chennai in Pollachi, this incident sparked public outrage, prompting widespread protests seeking justice for the victims. Initially managed by local forces, the gravity of the case led to its transfer to the CID and eventually recommendation for a CBI probe by the state government. The comprehensive investigation culminated in the filing of an elaborate chargesheet against the accused.
Embracing the Verdict, Political Turmoil Persists
Both Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and opposition leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami acknowledged the ruling. CM Stalin declared, "Justice prevails against heinous crimes by depraved individuals including AIADMK functionaries. Those attempting to shield criminals should feel dishonor." AIADMK’s leader, Palaniswami, emphasized swift police actions and the prior government’s CBI probe decisions in ensuring justice.
