SC Woman Gang-Raped Near Madurai: Four Arrested, NGO Demands Goondas Act
A 33-year-old woman belonging to the Scheduled Caste community was gang-raped by four men near Melur in Madurai district on the night of July 8. The police have arrested five individuals, including the four accused, and are investigating the case.
According to police, the victim, a resident of Paramakudi in Ramanathapuram district, was lured to Melur under the pretext of a job. A woman neighbour had informed her about a job opportunity and provided a contact number. A man identifying himself as Karuppusamy called the victim and offered her a monthly salary of ₹40,000 to stay at his house and care for his mother.
On July 8, the victim arrived in Melur and waited near the Taluk Office. After several hours, Karuppusamy claimed he was busy and sent his 'brother' Gopalakrishnan to pick her up. Gopalakrishnan arrived on a two-wheeler and took her to a secluded spot, where three other men brandished knives and raped her. The assailants also stole her gold chain and silver anklets before fleeing.
The victim managed to reach the main road, where a policeman assisted her and took her to the All Women Police Station (AWPS). Inspector Malaiarasi of the AWPS was commended for her swift response. A case was registered under relevant sections of the BNS Act 2023, and police tracked the mobile phone of one accused, leading to the arrest of all five individuals.
The accused have been identified as Veerapandi (who used the alias Karuppusamy), Vineeth, Aravind, Selvakumar, and Gopalakrishnan. The NGO Evidence, which conducted a fact-finding visit, has demanded that the accused be booked under the Goondas Act—a preventative detention law aimed at habitual offenders. Evidence also called for a compensation of ₹12 lakh to the victim, medical treatment, and monthly financial assistance of ₹20,000 for at least a year. Additionally, the NGO has urged the arrest of the woman neighbour who allegedly facilitated the crime.
Evidence executive director A. Kathir stated that the victim is in a state of shock and requires counselling. The incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of women, particularly those from marginalised communities, to such heinous crimes. Authorities have assured a thorough investigation and strict action against the perpetrators.
