All 9 accused convicted in 2019 Pollachi sexual assault case that shook Tamil Nadu
In a verdict six years in the making, the Mahila Court in Coimbatore on Tuesday convicted all nine accused in the 2019 Pollachi sexual assault case. The nine men were found guilty of multiple charges, including criminal conspiracy, sexual harassment, rape, gangrape, and extortion.
The incident, which came out just weeks before the 2029 general elections, led to Tamil Nadu's then ruling AIADMK getting politically cornered with allegations of inaction and links to the accused.
Judge R Nandhini Devi is expected to pronounce the sentence in the afternoon, following arguments from both the prosecution and the defence.
The convicted individuals were K Thirunavukkarasu, N Sabarirajan alias Rishwanth, M Sathish, T Vasanthakumar, R Manivannan, Haronimus Paul, P Babu alias Bike Babu, K Arulanandham, and M Arunkumar. They were all brought to the court, under heavy security, from Salem Central Prison for the proceedings. Each has been charged under stringent provisions of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 376D (gangrape) and 376(2)(n) (repeated rape of the same woman), both of which carry a minimum sentence of 20 years, potentially extending to life imprisonment.
The prosecution, led by CBI special public prosecutor V Surendra Mohan, has called for the harshest punishment, stating the crimes were 'grave and methodically executed.' Eight victims testified, supported by 48 witnesses in total.
The probe had unearthed a disturbing pattern of coercion, sexual violence, and blackmail. The initial police probe was quickly transferred to the CB-CID and later to the CBI following public outrage.
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