Chennai, Apr 25:
In a landmark judgment, a fast-track POCSO court in Sivaganga district has sentenced a 49-year-old man to death for sexually assaulting five minor girls aged below 12 near Singampunari. The verdict marks the first time a court in the district has awarded capital punishment.
The accused, Chandran, a firewood cutter from Marudhipatti village, was found guilty of repeatedly assaulting the victims over a period beginning in 2023. Delivering the judgment, Judge Gokul Murugan also imposed multiple punishments, including four life sentences, 20 years of rigorous imprisonment, and an additional two-year term for criminal intimidation along with a fine. All sentences will run concurrently.
The court further directed the Tamil Nadu government to provide compensation of ₹7 lakh each to the five victims, recognising the gravity of the offences and the lasting trauma inflicted.
The case came to light in February 2024 after the father of one of the victims lodged a complaint at the All Women Police Station in Tirupattur. Subsequent investigations uncovered similar offences against four other girls in the locality, exposing a disturbing pattern of abuse.
Police arrested Chandran on February 13, 2024, and he was remanded to custody at Madurai Central Prison. He was later detained under the Goondas Act.
According to the prosecution, the accused lured the children by offering snacks, small amounts of money, and access to video games before assaulting them. The case was prosecuted by government advocate Dhanalakshmi, who presented evidence leading to the conviction.
While delivering the verdict, the court commended the courage of the victims and their families in coming forward, stressing the importance of reporting such crimes.
The judgment is being seen as a strong message against crimes targeting children and underscores the judiciary’s resolve to ensure stringent punishment in cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.