Gang rape of minor in Tirunelveli: One sentenced to death; two others get 20 and 13 years in prison

The Special Court for Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act cases in Tirunelveli has sentenced a youth to death in a gang rape case involving a minor, while two other accused persons have been sentenced to 20 years and 13 years in prison, respectively.

According to the prosecution, the 16-year-old victim from Tirunelveli met painter Muneeswaran, 25, of Vilathikulam, at a place of worship in 2022. After they exchanged phone numbers, Muneeswaran and the minor remained in contact for about two weeks.

Muneeswaran later took the girl on his bike to his elder sister’s house in Meenakshipuram on the pretext of marrying her and sexually assaulted her there. He then asked his friends Chinnakutti, 28, of Kokkirakulam, and Murugesan, 23, of Veeraraghavapuram in Palayamkottai, to come to the house. The two also sexually assaulted her, according to the prosecution.

After the victim told her parents about the incident, they lodged a complaint with the Palayamkottai All Women Police Station. The police arrested Muneeswaran, Chinnakutti, and Murugesan.

Special Court judge Suresh Kumar, on Tuesday (September 8, 2026), sentenced Chinnakutti to death, while Murugesan and Muneeswaran were sentenced to 20 years and 13 years in prison, respectively.

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