Pollachi man sentenced to 10 years rigorous imprisonment for raping woman with mental disability

The Mahila Court in Coimbatore sentenced G. Balasubramanian, a 44-year-old man from Pollachi, to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, for the rape of a woman with mental disability. The conviction came after a trial that relied on DNA evidence to establish his guilt.

According to the prosecution, the crime took place in 2021 when Balasubramanian was painting the walls of the survivor's house. Taking advantage of her mental disability, he sexually assaulted her. The incident remained undisclosed until the survivor was found to be pregnant. She then narrated the ordeal to her mother, who was her primary caregiver. Subsequently, a case was registered at the All Women Police Station in Pollachi.

Public prosecutor B. Jisha stated that DNA tests conducted on the accused and the foetus conclusively proved that Balasubramanian was the perpetrator. This scientific evidence formed the backbone of the prosecution's case and was critical in securing the conviction.

The court found Balasubramanian guilty of offences under Section 376(2)(l) of the Indian Penal Code, which concerns rape of a woman suffering from mental or physical disability, and Section 376(2)(n), which addresses repeated rape of the same woman. The inclusion of sub-section (n) indicates that the assault was not an isolated event. Under these sections, the minimum punishment is 10 years of rigorous imprisonment, which may extend to life.

In its judgment, the court also imposed a fine of ₹1,000 on the convict. Additionally, Judge V. Sundararaj directed the District Legal Services Authority to provide appropriate compensation to the survivor. The compensation is intended to support her medical needs, psychological counselling, and overall rehabilitation.

The legal framework recognises that persons with mental disabilities are in a position where they cannot give free consent. Hence, any sexual act with them is deemed rape. This judgment reaffirms the protection offered by the law to vulnerable individuals and upholds the principle of substantive equality.

The rigorous imprisonment requires the convict to undertake hard labour during the term. The sentence sends a strong deterrent message against the exploitation of disabled persons. It also highlights the importance of forensic technology in the criminal justice system, especially in cases where survivors may face challenges in deposition.

The case underscores the need for timely reporting of such crimes and for robust support systems for survivors and their families. The District Legal Services Authority will now assess the survivor's requirements to determine the exact compensation. Civil society groups have reiterated the importance of awareness and accessibility to legal aid for all, particularly for those with disabilities.