Public fury has intensified on the streets of Pollachi in Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu. The news of a 19-year-old woman being allegedly sexually harassed and blackmailed by a group of men on 12 February in Pollachi has angered many. She had complained to the police on 24 February.

People have taken to the streets condemning the police for not levying more serious charges and not doing their best to ensure all the culprits are brought to justice.

Following outrage, the police, on Tuesday, 12 March, booked the four accused under the Goondas Act.

After the AIADMK expelled a local functionary after he allegedly attacked the victim’s brother, many suspect that since there are links to the ruling party there could be interference in the investigation.