Madurai: Tamil Nadu police’s south zone secured convictions in 17 murder cases in Sept, with 50 accused found guilty and 46 sentenced to life imprisonment, according to a press release.
Among them was the 2019 Puthiyamputhur case, in which five accused were sentenced to life for murdering Guru, severing his head and disposing of the remains in a well and stone quarry, police said. Beyond murder trials, police said convictions were secured in 26 Pocso and rape cases involving 34 accused. The punishments included one death sentence, two terms of double life or above and 11 prison sentences of at least 20 years. Separately, the zone reported extensive preventive action until Sept 30. Police initiated security-bond proceedings against 6,248 people and 11,185 habitual offenders, sought bail cancellation against 955 history-sheeters, executed 19,488 non-bailable warrants and detained 755 offenders under the Goondas Act.
Police said the outcome followed closer trial monitoring under the case officer scheme. Under the system, district superintendents identify grave cases for supervision, while officers track hearings, ensure timely service of summons on witnesses and coordinate with prosecutors during trial. Tuticorin district topped the zone with five murder cases ending in conviction during the month.