MADURAI: A POCSO court in Thoothukudi on Monday awarded a double death sentence to a 38-year-old man convicted in the rape and murder of a 17-year-old girl from Vilathikulam. The accused was identified by police as Dharmamuneeswaran alias Maveeran.
Case Background
The girl had gone missing in March 2026, following which the Kulathur police registered a case. The investigation later led to charges of rape and murder under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act provisions.
Investigation and Evidence
Police described the case as initially a blind investigation with no clues. Ten special teams were formed to crack the case. Through meticulous analysis of CCTV footage, investigators identified a two-wheeler linked to the accused. DNA evidence subsequently confirmed his involvement in the crime.
The police filed the chargesheet within 21 days of the arrest, and the trial concluded in a swift 54 days, reflecting the efficiency of the judicial process in handling sensitive cases involving minors.
Legal Outcome
The court pronounced the double death sentence, underscoring the severity of the crimes committed. The judgment serves as a strong deterrent against such heinous acts and reaffirms the commitment to justice for victims of sexual violence.
