In a pivotal judgment delivered by the Mahila Court in Coimbatore sentenced all nine accused in the 2019 Pollachi sexual assault case were sentenced to life imprisonment. The Court’s verdict, delivered after a detailed trial, was hailed as a crucial step in delivering justice to survivors and restoring public confidence in the system, especially in a case marred by alleged political interference and investigative delays.
DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai remarked that “It was a fight carried out by so many people, including the DMK party.” He stated that the party played a significant role in pressing for justice when initial attempts to investigate the crime were allegedly obstructed. According to Annadurai, “We fought against the way the then AIADMK government tried to scuttle the investigation. They didn’t even register an FIR when these allegations came out because the people involved belonged to the AIADMK party. After relentless protests by DMK, it was transferred to the CBI.”
Tamil Nadu’s Social Welfare and Women’s Rights Minister Geetha Jeevan also expressed satisfaction with the outcome, describing it as a landmark moment in the pursuit of justice for survivors of sexual violence. At a press conference, she affirmed, “Justice has been done in the Pollachi rape case. The victims have got justice. I commend the women who were determined to punish the culprits. This verdict has created confidence among the people and women. I commend the CBI and police officers who kept the victims’ secrets. This verdict will create fear in the perpetrators and their accomplices. This verdict will reduce sexual crimes.”
Referring to the earlier political climate, she noted, “Pollachi itself is a witness to the evil regime. When a complaint was filed regarding this crime, those in power at the time did not register a case.” She further added that under the present administration, decisive legal steps were taken, “Only after Chief Minister Stalin took charge did he launch a fierce legal struggle and register a case. Similarly, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu is giving great importance to the protection of women and children.”
The verdict, delivered by Judge Nandhini Devi, followed a comprehensive trial involving 50 witnesses and over 240 documents submitted by the prosecution. Eight women testified directly against the accused, who include Thirunavukkarasu, Sabarirajan, Sathish, Vasanthakumar, Manivannan, Heranpal, Babu, Arulanandam, and Arunkumar. The 2019 case drew national attention after a young woman came forward with allegations of gang rape and blackmail. Investigations revealed a larger pattern of sexual exploitation,
with over 50 women reportedly targeted, videotaped, and harassed by the accused.
Allegations also emerged that political interference by individuals linked to the then-ruling AIADMK hindered early police action. It was only after sustained public outcry and intervention by the DMK that the investigation was handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), culminating in the present convictions. This judgment is being seen as a significant step in strengthening public confidence in the
Judicial process for survivors of sexual violence in Tamil Nadu.
Source ANI
Picture Source :
