Ayanavaram rape case: Sentencing likely on Monday

In July 2018, the girl was sexually assaulted, raped and even gang-raped by men aged between 23 and 65. They worked as security guards, lift operators and in housekeeping department at the apartment complex. The crime came to light when the girl’s parents took her to the hospital after she complained of stomach ache. The private hospital referred her to Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital on suspicion of aggravated sexualassault.

The police complaint said the child had been sexually assaulted by the offenders between January 15 and July 5. Lift operator Ravikumar (56) initiated the sexual assault and other offenders followed him. They reportedly threatened the girl with knives. They also showed photos and videos of showing her naked, preventing her from talking about the assault to her family.

Following this, 17 offenders – R Ravikumar (56), M Suresh (32), A Rajasekar (40), A Erald Bross (58), BJ Sugumaran (65), N Abishek (23), K Murugesu (54), N Paramasivam (60), N Palani (40), A Jayaganesh (28), P Gunasekaran (55), N Babu (36), B Deenadayalan (50), A Jayaraman (26), E Surya (23), J Raja (30) and A Umapathy (42) – were arrested.

They were all charged under sections 354-B (Assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe), 366 (kidnapping), 376-AB, 376-DB, 506 (i) and 506(ii) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and sections 5 and 6 of the Pocso Act.

The trial conducted by special public prosecutor N Ramesh before the special court judge RN Manjula led to the conviction of 15 persons, while one of them, P Gunasekaran, has been acquitted. One of the accused, N Babu, died of ill health during the trial period, and the other 16 faced trial.

On Saturday, amid tight security, the accused were brought to the court complex located in the Madras High Court premises. The media was refused entry into the court hall and the judge read out their conviction behind closed doors. The quantum of sentence is expected to be announced on Monday.

It may be noted that the family moved away from the building a month after they gave a police complaint about the rape. The police submitted at least 70 pieces of evidence in the case.