TIRUVANNAMALAI: The district police on Thursday disclosed the identities of four men who have been arrested in connection with the alleged rape and assault on a 21-year-old Russian woman in the temple town.
The accused have been identified as R Neelakandan (35), R Bharathi (31), E Manikandan (37), all residents of Chengam Road; and U Venkatesan, a resident of Balaji Nagar, in Tiruvannamalai town.
The victim was staying at Paradise Guest House located behind Yogiram Surathkumar Ashram on Chengam Road. On July 16, she was found unconscious in her room around 7.50 am.
The girl was later admitted to Government Tiruvannamalai Medical College and Hospital, where she regained consciousness. Police had hired a Russian translator as the victim speaks only Russian
According to the police, the victim had stated that “guest owner Bharathi raped her while the other three men touched her.” Further probe is underway under SP Ponni.
The four men have been arrested under Section 376 (which says whoever commits rape shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than seven years but which may be for life or for a term which may extend to ten years and shall also be liable to fine) and Section 511 (Punishment for attempting to commit offences punishable with imprisonment for life or other imprisonment) of the Indian Penal Code.
Guesthouse room
The victim had been found unconscious in her room at a guesthouse on June 16, having allegedly been raped.