Puducherry Fast-Track Court to Deliver Verdict in Gruesome Child Murder Case on April 30
A fast-track court in Puducherry is poised to deliver its judgment on April 30, 2026, in one of the most horrific cases of abduction, rape, and murder of a Class V girl that occurred two years ago. The trial concluded on Friday, with the prosecution and defense wrapping up their arguments, setting the stage for the final ruling.
Details of the Crime and Investigation
The victim, a young girl, went missing on March 2, 2024, while playing near her home in Puducherry. Following an extensive search operation and widespread public protests, her body was discovered three days later on March 5, 2024. The body was found bundled in a gunny bag and dumped in a drain near her residence, with her hands and legs tied, indicating a brutal and premeditated act.
Muthialpet police swiftly arrested two individuals in connection with the crime: M Karunass, also known as Kakka, aged 20, and G Vivekanandan, aged 59, both residents of the same locality. According to the investigation, the duo, under the influence of alcohol and ganja, kidnapped the child and took her to one of their houses with the intent of sexual assault.
During the ordeal, the child lost consciousness, prompting the accused to panic. They subsequently murdered her and disposed of the body in a nearby drain, attempting to conceal their heinous actions.
Legal Proceedings and Tragic Turn of Events
Police submitted a comprehensive 500-page chargesheet before the special Pocso court, detailing the evidence and charges against the accused. The trial proceeded with both the prosecution and defense presenting their cases, culminating in the conclusion of arguments on Friday.
However, the case took a tragic turn when G Vivekanandan, who was lodged at Puducherry central prison, ended his life by hanging in the prison toilet in September 2024. This was his third suicide attempt; he had previously tried to take his life by consuming soap oil and by strangling himself with his shirt. His death left M Karunass as the sole remaining suspect awaiting the verdict.
Judge M D Sumathi announced that the judgment would be pronounced on April 30, 2026, bringing a long-awaited closure to the legal proceedings.
National Outcry and Government Response
The brutal crime sent shockwaves not only across Puducherry but throughout the entire nation. Leaders from various political parties united in demanding stringent action against the culprits and called for concrete efforts to curb the liquor and drug menace in the Union territory. The case highlighted broader societal issues, sparking debates on child safety and substance abuse.
In response to the tragedy, the government provided a solatium of Rs 20 lakh to the parents of the murdered girl, offering some financial support amidst their profound grief. This gesture, while symbolic, underscored the gravity of the incident and the need for justice.
The upcoming judgment is eagerly awaited by the public and the victim's family, hoping for a just outcome that reflects the severity of the crime and serves as a deterrent against such atrocities in the future.
