Death penalty for 2 in rape, murder of nurse in Tirunelveli

According to prosecution, the accused, identified as S Vasanthakumar (30) of Ayan Singampatti and M Rakesh alias Rajesh Kannan (27) of Kallidaikurichi, were found guilty of raping a 41-year-old woman, who was employed as nurse in Manimuthar Primary Health Centre.

The incident occurred in the victim’s house at Gate Vasal Street, Kallidaikurichi on September 29 in 2008 after a gang of six men including these two accused trespassed into the house. The victim was gagged before being raped. Subsequently, the victim was strangled to death by nylon wire. Besides, 67 grams of gold were stolen from the house. However, the incident came to the knowledge of local public on the next morning.

The victim was staying lonely in the house since her husband died three years ago. Moreover, her son was pursuing education in Coimbatore. The accused took advantage of this situation and indulged in such sort of crime. Kallidaikurichi police filed a case following the incident under Sections 376, 380 and 302 of IPC read with Sections 34 and 212 of IPC. After investigating, the police arrested those six men and remanded them in judicial custody.

During the trial, four others alleged to have indulged in such crime were acquitted. The DNA tests also proved them guilty. After hearing the prosecution witness, Justice P Indhirani awarded capital punishment for the two accused under Sections 449, 376 and 302 of IPC.