Tirunelveli POCSO Court Awards Death Penalty in 2022 Gang Rape of Minor

A special court in Tamil Nadu's Tirunelveli district has concluded a 2022 gang rape case involving a minor, handing down a death sentence to one convict and prison terms to two others.

Presiding Judge Sureshkumar on Tuesday sentenced Chinnakutty, 27, to death. His co-accused, Muneeswaran, 27, and Murugesan, 27, received prison terms of 13 years and 20 years, respectively. All three were found guilty under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

According to the prosecution, the victim was a 16-year-old Class 12 student. She had been in phone contact with Muneeswaran, a resident of Vilathikulam in Thoothukudi district, for about two weeks prior to the incident.

On the day of the crime, Muneeswaran allegedly promised to marry the girl and took her on his motorcycle, claiming they were heading to his sister's residence. Instead, he took her to a secluded spot where he assaulted her. His friends, Chinnakutty and Murugesan, who were present, subsequently assaulted the girl as well.

The Palayamkottai All Women Police registered a case and arrested the three men. Following their conviction, the court ordered them into custody to prevent any threat to the survivor or witnesses. The prosecution noted that Chinnakutty had prior murder cases against him.

The sentencing comes amid heightened political debate in the state over crimes against women. Chief Minister Vijay, addressing the Assembly on Monday, linked the recent rise in such incidents to a 'drug abuse culture' he alleged was permitted during the previous DMK administration. He stated his government's focus is on both ensuring punishment for offenders and preventing crimes.