The Pollachi sexual assault case, one of the most notorious crimes in Coimbatore district, has revealed the dark underbelly of a tranquil town known for its scenic landscapes. What appeared to be a peaceful region with its lush greenery and serene surroundings turned out to be the base for a shocking sexual assault racket led by nine men, preying on vulnerable women from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
How the Racket Operated
The accused, who carried out their heinous acts in various locations, primarily used a private guest house owned by K. Thirunavukkarasu, 34, located at Chinnappapalayam, near Pollachi. The guest house, initially intended for social gatherings and partying, became the primary site for these brutal assaults. Investigations revealed that the perpetrators would often play loud music to drown out any sounds of struggle while they sexually assaulted the victims. Some of the accused would even stand guard outside, ensuring that no one would interrupt their activities.
The survivors, mostly women from marginalized communities, were lured into the trap under false pretenses, including job offers. In some instances, the victims were physically assaulted when they tried to resist.
The Role of Technology in the Crime
The criminals exploited modern technology to further victimize their survivors. In one particularly disturbing case, an accused recorded the assault on video and later used it to blackmail the survivor into coming to the guest house, where she was repeatedly assaulted. Additionally, the accused used voice-changer apps to disguise their identities, even contacting the survivors’ families by pretending to be their mothers or female friends.
The Convicts and Their Backgrounds
The accused in the Pollachi case came from varied backgrounds. Thirunavukkarasu, who was a budding financier, ran the guest house where most of the assaults occurred. Others involved in the crime included N. Sabarirajan, a civil engineering graduate, and M. Sathish, a small business owner in the ready-made garment sector. Other convicts included T. Vasanthakumar, R. Mani, T. Haronimus Paul, K. Arulanantham, and M. Arunkumar, all of whom were engaged in various odd jobs or small-scale businesses in the region.
Justice and Accountability
As investigations continue, the case has raised awareness about the vulnerability of women from lower socio-economic backgrounds to exploitation. The authorities are determined to bring justice to the survivors, with public support intensifying for harsher punishments against the accused.
This case serves as a grim reminder of how well-organized criminal activities can thrive in the most unexpected places, hiding in plain sight behind the façade of a peaceful, picturesque town.
