A sessions court in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, has convicted all nine men accused in the shocking Pollachi sexual assault and blackmail case that drew national attention in 2019. The court found them guilty of gangrape, repeated rape, and blackmail of several women between 2016 and 2018. The punishment will be announced at noon today. The prosecution has demanded life imprisonment for all convicts.

The convicted men are Sabarirajan, alias Rishwanth (32); Thirunavukarasu (34); T. Vasantha Kumar (30); M. Sathish (33); R. Mani, alias Manivannan; P. Babu (33); Haron Paul (32); Arulanantham (39); and Arun Kumar (33). They were brought to the sessions court under heavy security. All of them have been held at Salem Central Prison since their arrests in 2019.

The verdict came after years of public pressure and careful investigation. The public prosecutor said the trial was based on over 200 documents and 400 pieces of electronic evidence, including videos of the assaults that had been verified by forensic experts. He stated, "The survivors' testimonies, supported by digital proof, were pivotal. No witnesses turned hostile, and the Witness Protection Act ensured their identities and safety."

However, he also said that only eight women came forward to officially report the crimes, highlighting the fear and stigma many survivors still face.

What was the Pollachi case, and how did it come to light?

The Pollachi sexual assault case shocked people across India when it was reported in 2019. The case exposed a pattern of organised exploitation where the accused gang targeted women—mainly college students—between 2016 and 2018. They would befriend or trap the women, sexually assault them, film the acts, and later use the videos to blackmail them into giving money or more sexual favours.

At least eight women were identified as survivors, although many more may have been affected but were too afraid to come forward. The crimes were first investigated by local police in Pollachi but were later handed over to the Tamil Nadu Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department (CB-CID) and then to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) after demands for a fair and independent probe.

The court case became a test of India’s justice system in handling gender-based crimes involving powerful threats, shame, and long-term trauma. The trial showed how digital evidence and legal protection for survivors can play a major role in securing justice.

What are activists and families demanding after the verdict?

While the conviction is being welcomed by the public and women’s rights groups, many are demanding that this not be the end of support for the survivors. A member of the Tamil Nadu Women’s Collective said, “This verdict is a relief, but survivors need compensation, counselling, and government job assurances to rebuild their lives.”

Activists say that the fight is not just about punishing the guilty but also about supporting the survivors through healing and reintegration into society. Many believe that the government must ensure financial aid, mental health services, and protection from further social judgement.

The case also brought political attention. The AIADMK, the ruling party at the time of the crimes, faced public criticism for allegedly delaying the FIR and trying to suppress the case. However, they denied the charges.

You might also be interested in: India’s sun care wake-up call: Why sunscreen can’t be an afterthought