Coimbatore Mahila Court delivers verdict on multiple serious offenses
In a major development in the infamous Pollachi sexual assault and extortion case, the Coimbatore Mahila Court on Tuesday found all nine accused men guilty of multiple serious offenses, including gang rape, extortion, and criminal conspiracy. The court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to provide a total compensation of Rs 85 lakh to the eight women who testified as survivors in the case. Judge R Nandhini Devi announced the verdict and is expected to deliver the sentencing later in the day. The prosecution, led by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), has urged the court to impose the maximum punishment—life imprisonment until death—for the convicted individuals, as per a report on PTI.
The nine individuals convicted in the case are: N. Sabarirajan alias Rishwanth (32) – Jothi Nagar, K. Thirunavukkarasu (34) – Makkinampatti, M. Sathish (33) & T. Vasanthakumar (30) – Suleeswaranpatti, R. Mani alias Manivannan (32) & T. Haronimus Paul (32) – Achipatti, P. Babu (33) – Mahalingapuram, K. Arulanantham (39) – Vadugapalayam and M. Arunkumar (33) – Panikkampatti, reported IANS.
Pollachi Sexual Assault Case Timeline
The case, which drew widespread public outrage, involved a series of sexual assaults and blackmail incidents that reportedly took place between 2016 and 2018, targeting mostly college-going women. The scandal came to light in 2019 after a student came forward and filed a police complaint, triggering a deeper investigation. The case gained momentum after an audio clip allegedly featuring a victim surfaced online, going viral and sparking statewide protests. The incident was so severe that it was discussed in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, prompting strong reactions from all political quarters. Initially investigated by the police, the case was later transferred to the CB-CID, and eventually taken over by the CBI in 2019 for a more thorough probe.
One of the convicted individuals was a former AIADMK functionary, who was expelled from the party following the revelations. The CBI has also requested the court to direct financial compensation for the victims in addition to the criminal penalties.
