May 13, Tamil Nadu: On May 13, 2025, a Coimbatore Mahila Court convicted all nine accused in the Pollachi sexual assault case and sentenced them to life imprisonment. The court ordered the Tamil Nadu government to pay a total compensation of ₹85 lakh to eight survivors of the assaults
One of the nine convicts, K Arulanantham was the was the AIADMK’s Pollachi town student wing secretary. He was expelled from the party after his arrest in 2021. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, in response to the verdict, wrote on social media that justice has been served and criticized those who tried to protect the culprits, urging them to “bow their heads in shame if they have any dignity”
Opposition leaders have also weighed in, welcoming the verdict and emphasizing the need for stricter laws and better protection for women. The case has highlighted the political connections of some of the accused, adding to the public outrage and calls for accountability
The case, which came to light in 2019, triggered widespread public outrage and statewide protests, drawing attention to the issues of violence against women and digital exploitation. The initial handling of the case by local police, including the public disclosure of the first complainant’s identity, was criticized for discouraging other victims from coming forward
The case was eventually transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which gained the trust of the survivors and ensured a fair trial. The CBI’s efforts, including the creation of a special court room with privacy measures and the use of scientific investigation and cyber forensics, were crucial in securing the conviction.
The Pollachi sexual assault case, which came to light in 2019, involved a criminal network in Pollachi, Tamil Nadu, where a group of men lured and sexually assaulted and blackmailed numerous young women over several years. The perpetrators used videos of the assaults to threaten and extort victims, leading to widespread outrage when the case became public. The scandal triggered strong public reactions and political responses, prompting a comprehensive investigation. Keep Reaading Questiqa.in fro more news.
