Pollachi Sexual Assault Case: Coimbatore Court Sentences Life Imprisonment For All 9 Accused, Orders Rs 85 Lakh Compensation For Victims

Coimbatore: Coimbatore Mahila Court Judge R Nandhini Devi delivered the verdict in the infamous Pollachi sexual assault case on Tuesday, finding all nine accused guilty, six years after the case was filed. Considering the severity of their crimes, the court sentenced all the accused to life imprisonment until death.

Hailing the verdict, members of All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA) were seen distributing sweets to lawyers and people present at the court premises.

Surendra Mohan, Special Public Prosecutor for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said that the accused had sought "leniency" citing their youth and aged parents, but the agency has sought "highest punishment".

In the court, Mohan said, "The punishment to these individuals who were involved in a heinous crime should create enough fear so that others do not engage in such acts."

The accused - N Sabarirajan, K Thirunavukkarasu, M Sathish, T Vasanthakumar, R Manivannan, P Babu, Haronimus paul, Arulanandam, and M Arunkumar - were convicted on multiple charges including rape, gangrape, sexual assault, extortion and criminal conspiracy. Additionally, a fine of Rs 1.5 lakh each was imposed on the nine accused. The judge further ordered the Coimbatore District Legal Services Authority to provide Rs 85 lakh as compensation to the victims.

Based on the severity of the crime, separate punishments were read out to each of the convicts.

A1 - N Sabarirajan - 4 life sentences

A2 - K Thirunavukkarasu - 5 life sentences

A3 - M Sathish - 3 life sentences

A4 - T Vasanthakumar - 2 life sentences

A5 - R Manivannan - 5 life sentences

A6 - P Babu - 1 life sentence

A7 - Haronimus Paul - 3 life sentences

A8 - Arulanandam - 1 life sentence

A9 - M Arunkumar - 1 life sentence

In February 2019, Pollachi police authorities first booked four of the accused for sexually assaulting a college student in Pollachi in Coimbatore district. Later revelations indicated numerous victims, and the accused formed part of a group that sexually assaulted and videotaped young women, subsequently extorting money. A victim student's police complaint brought the accused's cruel acts to light.

The release of one sexual assault video shocked Tamil Nadu. At that time, the opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) insisted that the CBI investigate the case because individuals involved had associations with the then ruling party All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).

Subsequently, the CBI took over the case from the Pollachi police. The CBI investigation led to the arrest of nine people– Sabarirajan, Thirunavukkarasu, Vasanthakumar, Arulanandam, Manivannan, Heranpal, Babu, Arunkumar, and Sathish – for sexually assaulting college students. The CBI registered a case against them under nine sections, including sexual assault, rape, extortion and conspiracy. The CBI also filed a 1,500-page charge sheet against them.

Dramatic episode preceded the verdict announcement

As soon as it was known that the verdict in the Pollachi sexual assault case would be announced today, a huge crowd gathered at the court complex. Subsequently, the police dispersed the public from there and made tight security arrangements throughout the court. Earlier today, the police transferred the convicts in the Pollachi sex case from Salem Central Prison to Coimbatore Central Prison under heavy security early this morning. Subsequently, authorities produced them before the Coimbatore Additional Women's Court.

Judge Nandini Devi arrived at the court at 10 AM. Subsequently, she re-read all case-related documents, witness statements, and the accused's arguments. She also raised some questions to the lawyers representing the accused during this process.

During this procedure, authorities closed all courtroom doors. Following this, Judge Nandini Devi declared all nine accused in the case guilty. Judge Nandini Devi also announced that she would reveal the details of their sentences at 12 noon.