Coimbatore child murder: Two accused detained under Goondas Act, custody till June 5
Synopsis
In a case that has shaken Coimbatore, two men accused of sexually assaulting and murdering a 10-year-old girl near Sulur have now been detained under the Goondas Act — a preventive measure designed to shut the door on bail. The District Collector's formal 'sexual offender' categorisation and an extended judicial custody till 5 June signal that authorities are treating this as far more than a routine criminal prosecution.
Key Takeaways
Karthi ( 35 , Nagapattinam) and R.
Mohan ( 31 , Thanjavur) detained under the Goondas Act on 27 May 2025 .
A local court extended their judicial custody until 5 June .
Detention ordered by Coimbatore District Collector Pavankumar G.
Giriyappanavar on the recommendation of SP Allatipalli Pavan Kumar Reddy .
Both were originally arrested under the POCSO Act for the sexual assault and murder of a 10-year-old girl near Sulur .
Police stated the Goondas Act was invoked to prevent bail and deter crimes against women and children.
Forensic and digital evidence gathering is continuing as part of the ongoing investigation.
The two men arrested in connection with the sexual assault and murder of a 10-year-old girl near Sulur in Coimbatore district have been detained under the stringent Goondas Act, police confirmed on Wednesday, 27 May. A local court simultaneously extended their judicial custody until 5 June, tightening the state's grip on the case amid widespread public outrage.
Who the Accused Are
The two men have been identified as K. Karthi (35), a native of Nagapattinam district, and R. Mohan (31), a native of Thanjavur district. Both were previously arrested by the Sulur police under multiple provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and other relevant sections in connection with the child's murder within the Sulur police station limits.
How the Goondas Act Was Invoked
According to police sources, the decision to invoke the Tamil Nadu Prevention of Dangerous Activities Act — commonly known as the Goondas Act — followed a formal recommendation submitted by Coimbatore Superintendent of Police Allatipalli Pavan Kumar Reddy. Acting on that recommendation, Coimbatore District Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar issued the detention order, categorising the duo as 'sexual offenders' whose conduct posed a serious threat to public order and safety. Both accused were subsequently lodged in prison under the Act's provisions.
Why Authorities Took This Step
Police officials stated the Goondas Act detention was specifically aimed at preventing the accused from securing immediate bail through regular judicial channels. The law permits preventive detention of individuals deemed habitual offenders or those involved in activities prejudicial to public peace and social order. Officials added that the move was also intended to send an unambiguous warning against crimes targeting women and children.
Notably, the Coimbatore district police issued a broader public notice stating that stringent preventive detention laws, including the Goondas Act, would be invoked against anyone involved in serious offences affecting public safety, public health, and the security of women and children.
Investigation Ongoing
Investigators are continuing to build their case, gathering forensic and digital evidence as part of the ongoing probe. The case has triggered significant outrage across the region, with residents and civil society organisations demanding the strictest possible punishment for those responsible. With judicial custody extended and the Goondas Act now in force, authorities appear determined to close all avenues for early release.
Point of View
Not just headline actions in cases that attract public attention.
NationPress
13 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Goondas Act and why was it invoked in the Coimbatore child murder case?
The Goondas Act refers to the Tamil Nadu Prevention of Dangerous Activities Act, which allows authorities to detain individuals considered habitual offenders or a threat to public order without waiting for a court conviction. It was invoked against the two accused — K. Karthi and R. Mohan — to prevent them from securing bail and to signal zero tolerance for crimes against children.
Who are the two accused in the Coimbatore Sulur child murder case?
The accused are K. Karthi, 35, from Nagapattinam district, and R. Mohan, 31, from Thanjavur district. Both were arrested by Sulur police under the POCSO Act and other sections for the sexual assault and murder of a 10-year-old girl within the Sulur police station limits.
How long are the accused in judicial custody?
A local court extended the judicial custody of both accused until 5 June. They have also been formally lodged in prison under the Goondas Act following the detention order issued by the Coimbatore District Collector.
Who authorised the Goondas Act detention?
Coimbatore District Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar issued the detention order after receiving a formal recommendation from Coimbatore Superintendent of Police Allatipalli Pavan Kumar Reddy. The collector categorised the duo as 'sexual offenders' posing a threat to public order.
What is the current status of the investigation?
Investigators are continuing to gather forensic and digital evidence in the case. No trial date has been announced yet, but authorities have indicated they are building a comprehensive evidentiary record to support prosecution.
