71-Year-Old Convicted Under Pocso Act Dies in Trichy Hospital Following Illness
A 71-year-old man, who was serving a jail term at Trichy Central Prison for sexually harassing a child, passed away at the general hospital on Wednesday after his health deteriorated due to illness. The deceased, identified as M Palanivel, was a resident of Thiruverumbur in Trichy district.
Background of the Case and Conviction
M Palanivel was arrested in 2021 and booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act. In December 2024, a court found him guilty of the charges and sentenced him to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment. He had been incarcerated at Trichy Central Prison since his conviction.
Health Issues and Hospitalization
Palanivel had been suffering from multiple health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and complications related to old age. On Tuesday, his condition worsened inside the prison, prompting the authorities to admit him to Trichy General Hospital for urgent medical attention. Despite treatment, he died in the early hours of Wednesday.
Legal Proceedings Following the Death
In response to the death, a case was registered late on Wednesday night under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which pertains to unnatural deaths. A judicial magistrate visited the hospital to conduct an inquest into the circumstances surrounding Palanivel's death, as per standard legal procedures.
The investigation aims to determine the exact cause of death and ensure transparency in the handling of the case, given the sensitive nature of the original conviction under the Pocso Act. Authorities are reviewing medical records and prison logs to provide a comprehensive report.
