Gang rape of minor in Tirunelveli: One sentenced to death; two others get 20 and 13 years in prison
A special POCSO court in Tirunelveli has sentenced one man to death and two others to long-term imprisonment for the gang rape of a minor. The verdict follows a 2022 incident involving the victim and three perpetrators.
Why it matters
The case underscores the judicial response to crimes against minors and the enforcement of the POCSO Act in India.
The Special Court for Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act cases in Tirunelveli has sentenced a youth to death in a gang rape case involving a minor, while two other accused persons have been sentenced to 20 years and 13 years in prison, respectively.
According to the prosecution, the 16-year-old victim from Tirunelveli met painter Muneeswaran, 25, of Vilathikulam, at a place of worship in 2022. After they exchanged phone numbers, Muneeswaran and the minor remained in contact for about two weeks.
Muneeswaran later took the girl on his bike to his elder sister’s house in Meenakshipuram on the pretext of marrying her and sexually assaulted her there. He then asked his friends Chinnakutti, 28, of Kokkirakulam, and Murugesan, 23, of Veeraraghavapuram in Palayamkottai, to come to the house. The two also sexually assaulted her, according to the prosecution.
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