Have All Nine Accused in the Pollachi Sexual Assault Case Been Sentenced to Life Imprisonment?
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Synopsis
In a significant ruling, the Special Mahila Court in Coimbatore has sentenced all nine accused in the Pollachi sexual assault case to life imprisonment. This landmark decision brings justice to survivors and highlights the ongoing fight against sexual violence in Tamil Nadu.
Key Takeaways
- All nine accused received life sentences.
- Compensation of Rs 85 lakh awarded to survivors.
- Case highlights the issue of sexual violence in India.
- Importance of survivor testimony in securing justice.
- Legal proceedings lasted six years.
Chennai, May 13 (NationPress) In a pivotal ruling, the Special Mahila Court in Coimbatore has sentenced all nine defendants involved in the notorious Pollachi sexual assault case to life imprisonment. The court determined that the offenders would serve life sentences for the entirety of their natural lives under Section 376D of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which relates to gang-rape.
Judge R. Nandhini Devi pronounced the sentence following the conclusion of arguments from both the prosecution and defense.
Additionally, the court mandated the Tamil Nadu government to provide a total compensation of Rs 85 lakh to the eight women who bravely came forward as survivors.
The convicted individuals include N. Sabarirajan alias Rishwanth (32) from Jothi Nagar, K. Thirunavukkarasu (34) from Makkinampatti, M. Sathish (33) and T. Vasanthakumar (30), both hailing from Suleeswaranpatti, R. Mani alias Manivannan (32) and T. Haronimus Paul (32) from Achipatti, P. Babu (33) from Mahalingapuram, K. Arulanantham (39) from Vadugapalayam, and M. Arunkumar (33) from Panikkampatti.
All nine were charged with heinous crimes such as criminal conspiracy, sexual harassment, rape, gang-rape, and multiple rapes against the same victim.
Surenda Mohan, the CBI’s Public Prosecutor, urged the court to impose the harshest punishment due to the severe nature of the offenses.
The accused were transported to court from Salem Central Prison under strict security measures.
This case dates back to 2016–2018, during which the group from Pollachi allegedly blackmailed, sexually assaulted, and filmed several women, predominantly from lower-middle-income backgrounds.
The abuse was uncovered after a 19-year-old college student filed a complaint with the Pollachi East police on February 24, 2019.
She reported being sexually assaulted by four men in a moving vehicle earlier that same month.
Although numerous victims were reportedly targeted, only eight women testified during the trial.
The videos of the assaults were manipulated by the accused to further exploit the survivors, revealing a disturbing pattern of organized abuse.
This judgment signifies a crucial milestone in Tamil Nadu’s battle against sexual violence, offering justice to survivors after six years of legal struggles.
Point of View
This verdict reflects a critical moment in the ongoing struggle against sexual violence in India. The courage of the survivors in coming forward cannot be overstated, and the court's decision is a testament to the justice system's potential to address such heinous crimes. It signifies a collective commitment to ensuring safety and justice for all citizens, reinforcing the importance of supporting survivors and holding perpetrators accountable.
NationPress
21/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pollachi sexual assault case?
The Pollachi sexual assault case involves a group of men accused of blackmailing and sexually assaulting multiple women, predominantly from lower-middle-income backgrounds, between 2016 and 2018.
What was the court's ruling in this case?
The Special Mahila Court in Coimbatore sentenced all nine accused to life imprisonment and ordered the Tamil Nadu government to compensate the survivors with Rs 85 lakh.
How many women testified in the trial?
Eight women came forward to testify during the trial, although many more were reportedly targeted by the accused.
What laws were the accused charged under?
The accused were charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 376D, which pertains to gang-rape.
What impact does this ruling have on sexual violence cases in India?
This ruling is a significant step in the fight against sexual violence in India, emphasizing the importance of justice for survivors and encouraging others to come forward.
