Pollachi case: Varsity students want capital punishment for accused

Bharathiar University students yesterday demanded capital punishment for the accused in the Pollachi sexual harassment case.

A section of students from the university held placards saying ‘Hang the accused. Book them under rape case.’ They even urged the government to act immediately and hang them.

Social Democratic Party (SDPI) activists formed a human chain in the district and demanded an NIA probe into the issue. They also demanded Superintendent of Police R Pandiarajan to be removed from the post.

Four accused persons in the case – Thirunavukkarasu, Sathish, Sabarirajan and Vasanthakumar – were arrested last month and Goondas Act was slapped against them a couple of days ago. The incident came to light after one of the victims came forward and lodged a complaint. More than 50 women have been sexually abused in Pollachi by these men.

In the aftermath, hundreds of college students, lawyers and members of women’s organisations took to the streets of Pollachi and other parts of Tamilnadu demanding action against the accused. Students boycotted classes and staged sit-ins demanding stringent punishment. Some institutes suspended classes for the day fearing break-out of violence.