CB-CID to probe Pollachi sex scandal, TN leaders want harsh punishment, 4 under Goondas

The recent sexual assault and blackmailing of several women in Pollachi by a group of people has created a furore, with the Opposition parties in Tamil Nadu demanding stringent action against the culprits, even as four key accused arrested in the case were detained under the Goondas Act on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the Pollachi serial sexual assault and blackmail case was transferred to the Crime Branch-CID for investigation.

Tamil Nadu Director-General of Police T K Rajendran issued the orders to this effect today.

Police sources said the four accused in the shocking sexual assault case, including the mastermind Thirunavukarasu, were detained under the Goondas Act following a direction from Coimbatore District Collector K Rajamani based on recommendations from Coimbatore Rural Superintendent R Pandiarajan.

The four--Thirunavukkarasu, Sathish, Sabarirajan, Vasanthakumar--all in their 20s, were accused of sexually assaulting many young women in Pollachi area over a period of time and filming the act.

The mobile phones seized from the accused had videos of at least 40 women who the accused had allegedly blackmailed for money and sexual favours.

Cases were registered against them under Sections 354(A) (sexual harassment), 354 (B) (assault or use of criminal force) of IPC read with 66 (E) of IT Act and Section 4 of Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act.