Three persons, including two women, were arrested for sexually assaulting a 25-year-old mentally ill woman near Srirangam; one accused is absconding.
The Srirangam All Women Police Station (AWPS) on Sunday arrested three persons, including two women, in connection with the sexual assault of a 25-year-old woman with mental illness near Srirangam in Tiruchirappalli district.
The arrests have triggered shock and outrage, as the accused allegedly exploited the victim’s vulnerability and the trust of her family.
Accused identified, one still at large
The arrested persons have been identified as Balasubramanian of Palakkarai, Subbulakshmi (69) of Srirangam, and Kala alias Sivakala (51) of Vayalur Road. A fourth accused, Siva Lokesh, is currently absconding, police said.
Investigators revealed that the victim’s mother was employed as a domestic help at Subbulakshmi’s house.
How the crime unfolded
According to police, the victim’s mother would either take her daughter to work or leave her with neighbours, as she could not be left alone. On Saturday, Subbulakshmi’s relative Kala allegedly took the woman to her house on Vayalur Road, claiming she would take her to the Vayalur Murugan Temple.
Police said Balasubramanian, who frequently visited Kala’s house to sell sarees, allegedly sexually assaulted the woman during this time.
Victim reveals assault to her mother
The incident came to light the following day when the victim refused to stay back and insisted on accompanying her mother to work. She then revealed the assault, following which her mother approached the Srirangam AWPS and lodged a complaint.
Based on the complaint, police registered a case under Sections 87 and 64 read with Section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and arrested Balasubramanian on Sunday.
Further probe exposes more abuse
During further investigation, police found that Subbulakshmi’s another relative, Siva Lokesh, had allegedly sexually assaulted the victim earlier at Subbulakshmi’s house.
Following this revelation, Subbulakshmi and Kala were arrested. All three accused were remanded to Tiruchirappalli Central Prison, while efforts are on to trace and arrest the absconding accused.
Police assure strict action
Police officials said the case is being investigated with utmost seriousness and assured that strict legal action will be taken against all those involved.