Thoothukudi horror case: Repeat offender handed double death penalty for rape, murder of schoolgirl

Thoothukudi: A special POCSO court in Thoothukudi on Monday sentenced a 38-year-old man to a double death penalty for the rape and murder of a 17-year-old schoolgirl in a case that had triggered widespread outrage across Tamil Nadu earlier this year.

The convict, identified as Dharma Muneeswaran, also known as Maveeran, was found guilty of sexually assaulting and murdering the Class 12 student from Vedanatham village near Vilathikulam in March.

The brutal crime had sparked intense debate over women’s safety and law and order in the state.

During the investigation, police found that Muneeswaran had previously been arrested in connection with the sexual assault and murder of an elderly woman. Investigators told the court that he committed the latest offence while out on bail in the earlier case.

After examining witness testimonies and forensic evidence, the Special POCSO Court concluded that the prosecution had proven all charges beyond reasonable doubt.

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Judge Preetha formally pronounced the accused guilty before delivering the sentence at around 1 pm on Monday.

Public Prosecutor Ellammal Kissinger appeared on behalf of the state and argued for maximum punishment, citing the convict’s criminal history and the gravity of the offence.

Heavy police security was deployed around the court complex ahead of the sentencing amid concerns over tensions surrounding the high-profile case.

Meanwhile, in a separate case in Coimbatore, police said charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act would be added in the abduction and murder of a 10-year-old girl.

West Zone Inspector General of Police R V Ramya Bharathi said the child had gone missing on the evening of 21 May while playing outside her home.

According to police, a complaint was registered later that night after the family alerted authorities through the emergency helpline.

Five special teams were immediately formed under the supervision of the Deputy Superintendent of Police to trace the child. CCTV footage and subsequent enquiries led investigators to a neighbour identified as Karthi.

Police said the accused confessed during interrogation that he had lured, sexually assaulted and murdered the girl. Investigators also identified another suspect, Mohan, who allegedly assisted in the crime.

Ramya Bharathi said both accused were arrested within 24 hours and that the case had now been amended to include offences under the POCSO Act due to the sexual assault of a minor.