Fast Track Court Delivers Verdict
Vellore: A fast-track mahila court in Vellore on Thursday sentenced four men to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for the gang rape of a lady doctor after kidnapping her in an auto in Katpadi on March 16, 2022.
Vellore Sessions Judge S. Mageswari Banu Rekha also imposed a fine of ₹25,000 on each convict. The accused have been identified as Parthiban (auto driver), Mani alias Manikandan (daily wage worker), Bharath, and Santhosh. Another accused, a juvenile, is facing trial before the Juvenile Justice Board.
Brutal Crime and Arrests
According to the prosecution, the lady doctor and her male colleague were waiting for an auto at 12:30 AM after watching a movie in Katpadi. A five-member gang in an auto pretended to offer a ride, claiming it was a share auto. Instead, they abducted the victims to the Palar riverbed, where they assaulted the male colleague and took turns raping the doctor at knifepoint.
The gang then robbed them of their mobile phones, two sovereigns of gold jewellery, and ATM cards, using them to withdraw ₹40,000. Initially, the victims did not file a complaint out of fear.
Two days later, three of the culprits were caught in a drunken brawl, leading to their arrest. During interrogation, they confessed to the crime. Police then arrested the remaining two accused. The doctor later filed an online complaint, which strengthened the case.
Public Outrage and Government Response
The heinous crime led to widespread outrage, with opposition parties questioning the law and order situation in the state. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin addressed the state assembly, detailing police action against the perpetrators.
This verdict is seen as a significant step toward justice, ensuring strict punishment for crimes against women.
