A court in Coimbatore has delivered a stern verdict in a harrowing crime that shook the local community, sentencing a man to spend the rest of his life behind bars. The Coimbatore District Mahila Court on Monday imposed a life imprisonment term on a 35-year-old man for the brutal rape and murder of a young woman in 2021.
The Crime and the Convict
The convict, identified as S Jagan, aged 35 and originally from Pudukottai district, was living near Somanur in Coimbatore with his wife. His wife worked at a fruit shop, where she became friends with a 20-year-old co-worker. Jagan later obtained the young woman's mobile number from his wife and began calling her frequently. This led to arguments between Jagan and his spouse.
The situation took a more personal turn on October 1, 2021, which was Jagan's birthday. The victim, in a gesture of friendship, gifted him a watch. Later that evening, Jagan went to the woman's house when she was alone. There, he professed his love for her and even promised to divorce his wife to marry her. When the woman firmly rejected his advances and asked him to leave, the encounter turned violent.
A Brutal Assault and the Investigation
Jagan forced himself upon the woman and then strangled her to death before fleeing the scene. The tragedy was discovered when the victim's sister returned home and found her lying unconscious. The family immediately alerted the police.
The Saibaba Colony police registered a case and launched a swift investigation. A crucial breakthrough came when investigators examined CCTV camera footage from the area, which clearly showed Jagan visiting the victim's home on the day of the incident. This evidence led to his prompt arrest.
The Court's Verdict
In the courtroom, Special Public Prosecutor B Jisha represented the prosecution, presenting the evidence against Jagan. After evaluating the case, Judge V Sundarraj found S Jagan guilty of the heinous crimes. The court held that the prosecution had successfully proved the charges of rape and murder beyond a reasonable doubt.
Pronouncing the verdict, the judge sentenced Jagan to rigorous life imprisonment, ensuring he will remain in prison for the natural course of his life. The judgment has been seen as a significant step in delivering justice for the victim and her grieving family, while also sending a strong message against crimes targeting women.
