Former Tamil Nadu Police Officer Accused of Minor Rape Dies by Suicide
A former special sub-inspector of police in Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu, who was facing serious charges of raping and impregnating a minor girl, was found dead by suicide on Thursday morning. The incident occurred in a teak plantation located near the Dharmapuri railway station, sending shockwaves through the local community and law enforcement circles.
Identity and Background of the Deceased
The deceased has been identified as N Sahadevan, a 58-year-old resident of Vennampatti in Dharmapuri district. Sahadevan served as a special sub-inspector attached to the Dharmapuri police force before his dismissal from service in December 2023. This termination followed his booking in a high-profile case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Sahadevan is survived by his wife and two children, a son and a daughter. His sudden death has left the family in a state of profound grief and uncertainty, compounding the legal troubles that had already upended their lives.
Details of the Criminal Case
According to police officials, the case against Sahadevan dates back to November 2023, when he was arrested by the Pennagaram all-women police station. The arrest was made based on a formal complaint lodged by the rape survivor, a minor girl who alleged that Sahadevan had sexually assaulted and impregnated her earlier that year.
The incident reportedly occurred while Sahadevan was posted at the Pennagaram police station, raising serious questions about abuse of power and authority within the police department. After his arrest, Sahadevan surrendered and was placed in judicial custody, spending several months in prison before securing bail.
Events Leading to the Suicide
In the early hours of Thursday, around 3 AM, Sahadevan left his home under the pretext of traveling to the Madras High Court for a trial related to his case. However, he never reached the court. Instead, his body was later discovered hanging from a tree in the teak plantation near Dharmapuri railway station.
Police reports indicate that he used a sari to commit the act. Upon being alerted, officers from the Dharmapuri Town police station swiftly responded, retrieving the body and transporting it to the Government Medical College and Hospital in Dharmapuri for a mandatory postmortem examination.
Investigation and Missing Items
Preliminary inquiries by the police have revealed some puzzling details. Sahadevan's mobile phone and a black bag that he was carrying at the time of his departure from home are reportedly missing. This has prompted authorities to register a formal case and launch further investigations to determine the exact circumstances surrounding his death.
The police are currently examining all possible angles, including whether any external factors or pressures contributed to his decision to take his own life. The ongoing probe aims to provide clarity and closure in this tragic and complex case.
