Pollachi Sexual Assault: All Accused Found Guilty by Court
Nine found guilty in the Pollachi rape case. CBI demands life terms. Sentencing scheduled at 12 PM in Coimbatore. Women’s group supports verdict.
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A special court in Coimbatore has delivered a key verdict in the high-profile Pollachi sexual assault and extortion case, finding all nine accused guilty of multiple criminal charges. The sentencing decision is expected later today.
The Mahila Court, presided over by Judge R Nandhinidevi, pronounced the conviction on Tuesday, affirming that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had sufficiently established the culpability of all the individuals charged in the case. These included offences related to sexual assault, criminal intimidation, extortion, and unauthorized video recordings.
During final arguments, the CBI, through Special Public Prosecutor Surendra Mohan, urged the court to impose life sentences on all nine accused, citing the gravity of the crimes and the impact on the survivors. The defence team requested judicial leniency, highlighting that most of the convicts are unmarried and responsible for elderly parents.
Judge Nandhinidevi confirmed that the quantum of punishment will be officially declared at 12 noon today.
The case came to public attention in February 2019 when a 19-year-old female student filed a complaint alleging that she had been sexually assaulted and blackmailed with video recordings. The matter, initially investigated by local law enforcement in Pollachi, was later transferred to the CBI for detailed examination.
According to court documents, the group of accused lured women, recorded sexual acts without consent, and subsequently used the footage to extort money and further sexual exploitation. The central agency submitted a comprehensive chargesheet, and over 40 witnesses were examined during the trial.
List of Convicted Individuals
Those found guilty include:
* N Rishwanth alias Sabarirajan
* K Thirunavukkarasu
* N Sathish
* T Vasanthakumar
* R Manivannan alias Mani
* K Arulanantham
* P Babu alias ‘Bike’ Babu
* Haronimus Paul
* M Arunkumar
All nine were taken into custody following extensive investigation by the CBI.
Supporters and members of the All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA) assembled at the Coimbatore Combined Court complex earlier in the day, raising slogans and voicing approval of the court's decision. Many expressed hope that the upcoming sentencing would reflect the seriousness of the crimes committed.
The final sentencing, which will determine the length and nature of imprisonment for the convicts, is anticipated to be announced by noon.
