Life convict in Ayanavaram rape case ends life at Puzhal

The deceased R Palani of Gandhi Nagar in Pulianthope was among the five convicts sentenced to life imprisonment in the case in February this year. While he had been lodged in the prison for convicts in Puzhal, he is said to have been distressed for the last few days. Around 3 pm on Tuesday, fellow inmates found him hanging from the bathroom window and alerted the prison officials. After his body was removed and doctors at the prison campus confirmed the death, the body was sent to Stanley Government Hospital for post-mortem. Prison authorities said Palani tore his bedsheet to make a noose and hanged self from the window. Puzhal police have registered a case and are investigating.

Ayanavaram rape shocker was reported in July 2018, when police arrested 17 of the staff at a gated community apartment, who had raped a minor girl for over six months before the victim’s sister spilt the beans. Among them, 15 of the offenders were convicted, while one was acquitted. Another accused died during the trial. Palani was working as a security guard in the apartment.