One more suspect held in alleged sexual assault and robbery in Tiruvannamalai

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A 23-year-old suspect in the sexual assault and robbery that took place near the Girivalam Path recently was arrested on Thursday. Two suspects are still at large.

The arrested person, S. Arun Pandian, of Tiruvannamalai, was part of the gang involved in the crime.

The Tiruvannamalai West police had, on June 2, arrested eight persons, including the prime suspect, K. Vasudevan, aresident of Adaiyur village near Arunachala Hills.

‘Surveillance boosted’

“Special teams were formed to nab the absconding suspects. Surveillance in key areas, including pilgrim centres and isolated spots in the district, has been intensified,” M. Sudhakar, Superintendent of Police (Tiruvannamalai), said.

The police said the gang, led by Vasudevan, waylaid a 23-year-old woman, who was returning to her house from a walk on the 14-km Girivalam Path on May 31, the day of Vaikasi Pournami (full moon) festival.

The gang took her to an adjacent forest and allegedly sexually assaulted her. They also robbed her of her gold earrings and demanded money, before fleeing the spot, the police said.

Based on the complaint lodged by the survivor’s parents, the Tiruvannamalai West police registered a case.

They formed five special teams. Subsequently, eight suspects, including a juvenile, were arrested.

Special teams deployed

The police said that special teams have been deployed to apprehend the other suspects who are hiding in Bengaluru, based on the information provided by those who were arrested.

Meanwhile, the district police, led by Mr. Sudhakar, have intensified patrolling, especially at night.

A large contingent of police personnel, including woman constables, have resumed patrolling by foot in key areas, including the Girivalam Path and the bus terminus.