The Tamil Nadu government has invoked the Prevention of Thugs Act against two men arrested in the murder case of a 10-year-old girl in Sulur, Coimbatore district, officials said on Wednesday. The action was taken after police registered a case under the POCSO Act and arrested Karthi, 35, from Nagapattinam district, and Mohan, 31, from Thanjavur district, in connection with the crime.
According to the reports, the case was registered by Sulur police after the child was sexually assaulted and murdered within the jurisdiction of Karumathampatti in Coimbatore district. Police said the two accused were arrested and later imprisoned in the case. Following the arrests, Coimbatore District Superintendent of Police Pawan Kumar recommended preventive action under the Gangsters Act, citing the seriousness of the case.
Based on that recommendation, the district administration confirmed that the accused were treated as sexual offenders and orders were issued to detain them under the Gangsters Act. Police also warned that if they disrupt public peace or act against public health, further action can be taken under the Prevention of Thugs Act. Authorities said members of the public can share information on such criminal activity by calling 94981-81212 or sending a message on WhatsApp number 7708-100100.
The case had already triggered strong public outrage across Tamil Nadu after the 10-year-old girl was found dead following the assault and murder. Police continue to investigate the full sequence of events, while the state has moved to use stricter legal provisions in the case.