(Image Source: OneIndia Tamil)
In a shocking incident, Assistant Jailor Balaguruswamy (52) of Madurai Central Jail was arrested on charges of sexually harassing a 14-year-old girl after a complaint from the girl’s family. The girl runs an idli shop with her father and is studying in the 10th grade. The prison administration has responded swiftly, removing him from his position.
The incident came to light after Balaguruswamy, who had visited a restaurant on Bypass Road owned by a man who had previously served his sentence at Madurai Central Jail, allegedly behaved inappropriately with the restaurant owner’s granddaughter. According to reports, Balaguruswamy had engaged in lewd conversations with both the restaurant owner’s daughter and granddaughter.
According to the girl’s family, Balagurusamy had frequented their family-owned eatery, where he allegedly developed a rapport with the minor. He had learned that the family member was studying to become a female police officer and had taken her phone number under the pretense of helping her. Over time, he began harassing her through messages on WhatsApp.
When she blocked him, he started coming to the shop frequently. The victim’s parents say that after their daughter rejected his advances, Balagurusamy continued to pursue her. The situation escalated when Balaguruswamy gave his phone number to the 14-year-old girl and invited her to meet him in the Karimedu area. The girl, feeling uncomfortable, confided in her family about the incident. On 21 December 2024, the girl’s relatives decided to confront Balaguruswamy, following her to the location where he had asked her to meet.
When they arrived, they caught Balaguruswamy speaking to the girl and immediately confronted him, physically attacking him with shoes. A video of the incident quickly went viral on social media, drawing significant attention. Following the confrontation, the Madurai South Women’s Police registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act based on the girl’s complaint. Balaguruswamy was arrested and charged with sexual harassment.
The prison administration acted promptly by removing Balaguruswamy from his post, ensuring that no further action could be taken by him within the institution. In response to the incident, Balagurusamy filed a counter-complaint, accusing the family of assault and defamation. He claimed that they had attacked him unjustly and that he had been mistreated during the altercation. He further stated that the case against him was fabricated.
Following the incident, the prison authorities suspended Balagurusamy and launched an internal investigation. Subsequently, a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act was filed, and Balagurusamy was arrested. However, his supporters allege that the accusations are part of a larger conspiracy to discredit him and claim that the investigation is being mishandled by certain police officers who are allegedly trying to intimidate the victim’s family into withdrawing the case.
It is alleged that the same Balaguruswamy had also forcibly approached another woman six months ago. He verbally abused the wife of a life-sentenced prisoner and pressured her into entering another room. When the woman managed to escape, she went to the Karimedu police station, where she reported the incident.
The police then took her to the station, and after a discussion, the matter was concluded. Despite this, Balaguruswamy continues to engage in such behavior, coercing women for his own pleasure and allegedly ‘supplying’ women to many officers, including his fellow colleagues, with similar services. They have even filed cases against the girl who courageously came out with the truth.
(With inputs from Hindu Tamil)
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