Pollachi sexual abuse case: Mahila court convicts all 9 accused, awards life term

A Mahila court in Tamil Nadu’s Coimbatore on Tuesday (May 13) delivered a unanimous guilty verdict against all nine men accused of gang rape and repeated rape involving multiple women and sentenced them to life imprisonment till death. The court also ordered Rs 85 lakh compensation in the sexual harassment case.

The court, presided over by Judge Nandini Devi, held N Rishwanth alias Sabarirajan, K Thirunavukkarasu, N Sathish, T Vasanthakumar, R Manivannan alias Mani, K Arulanantham, P Babu alias ‘Bike’ Babu, Haronimus Paul, and M Arunkumar guilty in what came to be known as the "Pollachi sexual assault case".

Criminal offences

The accused faced charges of criminal conspiracy, sexual harassment, rape, gang rape and repeated rape, according to the government pleader. The court conclusively confirmed the charges of gang rape and repeated rape beyond any doubt.

Also Read: Pollachi sexual abuse case: GO reveals victim’s identity

Government pleader Sundramohan stated that the judgement left no doubt about the guilt of the accused, emphasising that the minimum punishment for these offenses could be 20 years.

Shocking assaults

The case, which surfaced on February 24, 2019 after a 19-year-old college student’s complaint to the Pollachi East police, exposed a horrific racket operating between 2016 and 2018 in Pollachi.

The complainant alleged sexual assault in a moving car, with the accused recording the criminal act, stealing her gold chain, and later blackmailing her.

Also Read: Pollachi case: Stigma around sexual abuse plagues victims

Eight victims provided statements, and the digital evidence, including videos from the accused’s phones and material from Thirunavukkarasu’s farmhouse, proved decisive.

CBI takes over case

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) which took over the investigation in April 2019 filed a 1,500-page chargesheet. None of the accused was granted bail.

The case shocked the country when leaked videos surfaced on social media in March 2019, showing one of the victims pleading, “Anna, adikkathinga, anna” (“Brother, don’t beat me, brother”), sparking nationwide outrage.

Complaints against police

Allegations of police mishandling, including the Coimbatore Rural Superintendent of Police revealing the complainant’s identity, and political interference tied to AIADMK functionaries among the accused fuelled public protests.

Also Read: Will Pollachi sexual assault case dent AIADMK chances in western TN?

Sundramohan noted that the prosecution has requested enhanced compensation for the victims from the accused.

While the defence sought leniency citing the accused's age and family circumstances, the prosecution strongly opposed this, advocating for stringent punishment.

Public outrage

The verdict, supported by victim testimonies and irrefutable digital evidence, marks a critical step towards justice in this high-profile case.

The initial response from the local police was marred by allegations of inaction and mishandling, with claims of political pressure from the then-AIADMK government delaying justice.

Also Read: 'Amma's govt' in TN harps on girls' safety, but acts otherwise

Public outrage and protests by student organisations and women’s groups across Tamil Nadu forced the case to be transferred to the CBI.

AIADMK links

The CBI investigation revealed the involvement of nine men, including AIADMK functionaries, who were arrested.

Also Read: OTT: Sexual crime in Pollachi, amnesiac Bob Biswas & cricket's dark underbelly

Eight victims provided statements against the accused, and digital evidence, including videos and communications, proved pivotal in establishing guilt, the government pleader said.