Pollachi sex scandal: Court turns down bail plea of main accused

Today, a Court turned down the bail plea of Thirunavukarasu who is the main accused in the shocking Pollachi sexual assault case. He and three others have been detained under Goondas Act based on a direction from Coimbatore District Collector this morning.

The four men – Thirunavukkarasu, Sathish, Sabarirajan and Vasanthakumar- all in their 20s are accused of sexually assaulting many young women in Pollachi area over a period of time. As per reports, more than 50 women were lured and sexually harassed by the gang and the acts were videographed.

Police say, the network might be having more people, including a few big names. According to sources, the government is planning to hand over the case to the CB-CID, the State’s elite investigation wing.

The incident came to light three weeks ago after the four accused were arrested for allegedly blackmailing and sexually harassing a 19-year-old girl. This is the first complaint made in the case.

She told police that one of the four youths established contact with her on Facebook and befriended her. On 12 February, both of them decided to meet during the lunch break in her college. As she met him and entered his car, three of his friends joined them. After the car started moving, the man who invited her started harassing her sexually while others took videos. They used this video later to blackmail her for more such meetings and money. She eventually told her family about the incident.

Yesterday, AIADMK expelled party functionary A Nagaraj, who is accused of threatening the victim’s brother who asked the men that the videos be deleted and the harassment stopped.

The police are also analysing the videos and photos the men had captured and investigating the case further. Meanwhile, some advocates have come forward to help the victims even as most of them have refused to file formal complaints.

It may be noted that Pollachi DSP R Jeyaram urged the public to inform the police if they know of any other victims, promising that their details will be kept confidential.