The much-awaited verdict in the Pollachi sexual abuse atrocity case in Tamil Nadu was delivered today, with a Mahila Special Court in Coimbatore finding all nine accused guilty. The case from 2019 involved a gang of men who lured women into false friendships before sexually abusing and blackmailing them.
Justice Nandhini Devi, presiding over the Mahila Court, held the accused Thirunavukarasu, Sabareesan, Vasantha Kumar, Satish, Manivannan, Haranpaul, Babu, Arulanantham and Arun Kumar, guilty under multiple sections of the law. The court is expected to pronounce the quantum of punishment at noon today.
The case initially came to light after a theft complaint by a survivor. Soon, during investigation it was discovered that there was a larger organised sexual abuse at play. The case triggered widespread outrage across Tamil Nadu, after videos of the assaults went viral, sparking protests and political heat on the then ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and other opposition parties had rallied on the issue, demanding justice and systemic reform for women’s safety.
The probe, first handled by the Crime Branch - Criminal Investigation Department, was later handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation following mounting public pressure.
Throughout the trial, the government counsel presented more than 50 witnesses, over 200 documents, and 400 pieces of digital evidence. Eight survivors appeared before the court to testify, and the accused responded to 50 questions in writing.
Public Prosecutor Surendra Mohan, speaking to the media after the verdict, confirmed the court’s ruling and outlined the gravity of the prosecution’s arguments.
“The verdict has been pronounced in the Pollachi sexual abuse case. The court has held all nine accused guilty. They sought leniency, citing their age and the old age of their parents. However, we argued that this is a very rare case involving heinous crimes against women, and we have sought the maximum sentencing,” he said.
He added that the court would announce the quantum of punishment at noon today. The prosecution has also sought compensation for the victims, acknowledging the trauma they endured. Although the survivors did not initially file complaints, the CBI identified them using digital evidence, counselled them, and ensured their testimony in court. Eight survivors ultimately deposed confidently before the court.
Surendra Mohan further noted, “In this case, 48 witnesses were examined and not one turned hostile. The CBI scientifically proved the crime using digital evidence, including date and time stamps. Even erased materials were retrieved and forensic reports confirmed the videos were not manipulated.”
He also invoked a key legal precedent, stating, “The Supreme Court has clearly ruled that no leniency should be shown in sexual abuse cases, and we presented this in our arguments.”
Source: India Today