In a significant breakthrough, a special police team in Chennai on Thursday apprehended a 30-year-old man who had been on the run for five years. The arrest is connected to the harrowing 2019 gang rape of a minor girl in the Mogappair area of the city.
Long-Awaited Arrest After Five Years
The accused, identified as Nishanth, was tracked down and taken into custody from a hideout located in Chromepet. He had successfully evaded law enforcement agencies since the case was registered, creating a major hurdle in the judicial process. The case was filed under the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, highlighting the severity of the crime committed against a child.
Evading Justice Since 2020
Investigations revealed that Nishanth's flight from justice began in 2020 when he stopped appearing before the trial court hearing the case. His failure to attend court proceedings led to him being declared an absconder, prompting police to launch a dedicated manhunt. The special team formed to locate him finally closed in on his Chromepet hideout, ending his five-year period of evasion.
Case Background and Next Steps
The original crime that shocked the Mogappair community dates back to 2019. The arrest on Thursday marks a crucial step towards delivering justice for the minor survivor and her family. With the accused now in custody, the legal proceedings under the POCSO Act are expected to move forward. This arrest sends a strong message about the persistence of the police in pursuing those accused of serious sexual offences against children, regardless of the time elapsed.
The Chennai police have not disclosed further details about the other accused in the case or the current status of the trial. However, the capture of Nishanth is seen as a pivotal moment in this long-pending case.
