A special court for the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act, 2012, in Puducherry on Thursday found 20-year-old M Karnas, also known as Kaka, guilty of the brutal abduction, rape, and murder of a Class V girl two years ago. The court has scheduled the final sentencing for May 5, 2026. Another accused, G Vivekanandhan @ Harikrishnan, 59, died by suicide in jail in his third attempt. The trial concluded on April 17. The crime sparked nationwide outrage.
Details of the Crime
According to special public prosecutor S Patcheappan, Karnas kidnapped the girl when she was playing near a temple in her locality and took her to the house of the second accused, Vivekanandhan, on March 2, 2024. He sexually assaulted her. Vivekanandhan reached home and took advantage of the situation. He threatened the girl and sexually assaulted her.
The girl sustained severe injuries and fell unconscious. When she gained consciousness, she screamed in pain. Both accused murdered her by smothering her. They then hog-tied her with a rope, wrapped her in a dhoti, and disposed of the body by throwing it into the drain behind Vivekanandhan's house.
Investigation and Arrest
The girl's parents lodged a complaint with the Muthialpet police station after she did not return home. Following a massive search operation and public protests, her body was recovered three days later, on March 5, 2024, from the drain. Police arrested Karnas and Vivekanandhan in connection with the crime. During the course of the investigations, the duo confessed to sexually assaulting and murdering the minor girl.
The case has drawn significant attention to the safety of children in the region. The court's verdict is seen as a step towards justice for the victim and her family.
