Coimbatore, May 27 (IANS) The two men arrested in connection with the sexual assault and murder of a 10-year-old girl near Sulur in Coimbatore district have been detained under the stringent Goondas Act, police said on Wednesday.

A local court also extended the accused’s judicial custody till June 5.

The accused were identified as K. Karthi (35), a native of Nagapattinam district, and R. Mohan (31), a native of Thanjavur district.

Both were arrested earlier by the Sulur police under various provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and other relevant sections in connection with the murder of the child within the Sulur police station limits.

According to police sources, the decision to invoke the Goondas Act was taken following a recommendation submitted by Coimbatore Superintendent of Police Allatipalli Pavan Kumar Reddy.

Based on the recommendation, Coimbatore District Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar ordered their detention under the Act after categorising the duo as “sexual offenders” whose activities posed a serious threat to public order and safety.

Following the detention order, both accused were formally lodged in prison under the provisions of the Tamil Nadu Prevention of Dangerous Activities Act, commonly referred to as the Goondas Act.

The law allows preventive detention of individuals considered habitual offenders or those involved in activities prejudicial to public peace and social order.

Police officials said the action was aimed at ensuring that the accused do not secure immediate bail and to send a strong message against crimes involving women and children.

The case had triggered widespread outrage in the region, with residents and social organisations demanding strict punishment for those responsible.

Meanwhile, investigators are continuing to gather evidence in the case, including forensic and digital material, as part of the ongoing probe.

The Coimbatore district police also issued a warning that stringent preventive detention laws, including the Goondas Act, would be invoked against individuals involved in serious offences affecting public peace, public health, and the safety of women and children.

–IANS

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