In a landmark verdict on May 13, 2025, the Coimbatore District Mahila Court sentenced all nine accused in the 2019 Pollachi sexual assault and extortion case to life imprisonment until death. The case involved a gang that lured and sexually assaulted multiple women, recording the acts to blackmail them. The court also ordered the Tamil Nadu government to provide ₹85 lakh in compensation to the eight survivors .

The accused were charged with serious offenses, including gang rape, repeated rape, and extortion. The investigation revealed that the gang targeted college students and other women, using videos of the assaults to intimidate and extort them. The case gained national attention, leading to widespread protests and demands for justice .

The trial, which began in February 2023, was conducted in camera to protect the survivors and witnesses. Judge R. Nandhini Devi presided over the proceedings, ensuring a fair and sensitive handling of the case .

This conviction marks a significant step in the fight against sexual violence and exploitation, highlighting the importance of a robust legal system in delivering justice to survivors.

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