Vachathi atrocities: 215 government officials are guilty, Madras High Court ensures justice for victims

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court on Friday pronounced its verdict in the Vachathi gang rape case. Dismissing the appeal submitted by the accused, the High Court upheld a lower court order convicting and sentencing 215 government officials.

The incident related to the case took place in 1992. The accused, who were government officials, attacked and sexually assaulted 18 tribal women in the Vachathi village during a raid conducted in the name of finding smuggled sandalwood in the village. The atrocities were committed by the officials of the Police, Forest, and Revenue Departments. Four IFS officers were also named in the list of accused.

In 2011, the special court had sentenced 12 accused in the case to 10 years in prison, five accused to 7 years in prison, and the rest to two years in prison. Following this, the accused filed an appeal against this in the High Court. Out of the 269 accused, 54 died during the pendency of the trial.

Dismissing the appeal, Justice P Velmurugan directed the government to provide government jobs to the victims of the assault. He also directed providing an immediate compensation of Rs 10 lakh to 18 victims of sexual assault. The court also said that measures should be taken to improve the standard of Vachathi village. The judge had visited the village before pronouncing the judgment. The court order also directed that action should be taken against the District Collector, SP, and DFO officials who were working during the time of the incident.