Pollachi rape-blackmail case: All you need to know about 2019 scandal that shocked Tamil Nadu

NEW DELHI: In the 2019 Pollachi sexual assault case, the Coimbatore district Mahila court on Tuesday sentenced all nine accused to life imprisonment till death.

The court also directed the Tamil Nadu government to provide Rs 85 lakh as compensation to the eight survivors, under the victim compensation fund.


What Is Pollachi Sexual Assault Case?

The Pollachi case refers to a widespread sexual assault and blackmail scandal that came to light in 2019, involving multiple young women in Pollachi town, Tamil Nadu.

Here's a breakdown of the key facts:

• The crimes took place over a two-year period from 2016 to 2018.
• The case came to public attention when a 19-year-old college student filed a complaint in February 2019.
• She alleged that she was sexually assaulted and blackmailed after being filmed without consent.
• Following the complaint, Pollachi Police registered a case, and the gravity of the crimes led to the case being handed over to the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation).

How Did the Assaults Occur?

• The gang lured women to secluded locations after first gaining their trust through social media interactions.
• The acts of sexual assault were recorded on mobile phones, and the videos were used to extort sexual favours and money.
• The CBI filed its first chargesheet in May 2019, detailing the criminal acts and the organized nature of the gang.

All nine men convicted were residents of Pollachi

• N Rishwanth alias Sabarirajan
• K Thirunavukkarasu
• T Vasanthakumar
• N Sathish
• R Manivannan alias Mani
• K Arulanantham
• Haronimus Paul
• P Babu alias ‘Bike Babu’
• M Arunkumar

They were arrested by the CBI and held at Salem Central Prison during the trial.


Trial and Verdict

• The court proceedings involved the examination of over 40 witnesses.
• After thorough investigation and trial, the court found all nine accused guilty.
• They were sentenced to life imprisonment till death, reflecting the heinous nature of the crimes.

The Pollachi case sent shockwaves across Tamil Nadu, triggering widespread public outrage. It brought critical issues to the forefront, including violence against women, digital blackmail, and the vulnerability of young women to online exploitation.

Statewide protests erupted, led by students, political parties, and various civil society groups, all demanding justice for the survivors and strict punishment for the accused.

Following the court’s verdict, survivors and activists have welcomed the long-overdue justice. Many hope it sets a powerful precedent and sends a clear message that crimes against women will not go unpunished.