Three men were arrested on November 3 after a college student was sexually assaulted near the Coimbatore airport . Police fired at the suspects during their apprehension. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin directed authorities to file a chargesheet within one month. He also called for maximum punishment for the culprits in this case.
The suspects are identified as Satish alias Karuppsamy, 30, and his brother Karthi alias Kalishewaran, 21. Both are from Virudhunagar district. Their relative, Guna alias Thavasi, 20, is from Madurai district. City Police Commissioner A. Saravana Sundar confirmed their arrest. The trio attempted to attack the police team during their apprehension.
All three suspects worked as labourers. They also had experience working in a lathe unit. Investigation revealed they are related. They have a history of criminal cases, including murder, theft, and hurt. They were also attending a court case related to a murder charge.
The Assault Incident
The sexual assault occurred on the night of November 2 . The victim and her male friend were talking in a car on a mud road near the Coimbatore airport. According to preliminary investigation, the suspects had robbed a two-wheeler earlier that night. They had also consumed alcoholic drinks before encountering the couple.
The trio used stones to break the car windows. They then inflicted cut injuries on the male friend. The student was dragged to a deserted area that had no lighting facility. The sexual assault then took place at this location.
Despite his injuries, the victim’s friend managed to contact the police control room. He made the call at 11:20 PM on November 2. Police arrived at the scene within 15 minutes. The victim was located with local assistance and then transported to a hospital. She is currently out of danger and receiving psychological counselling, according to Commissioner Sundar.
Police Response and Arrest
Investigators scanned approximately 300 CCTV footages to trace the suspects. They corroborated this visual evidence with inputs received from the public. This process helped identify the suspects’ exit route from the crime scene. Police swiftly located the suspects at their hiding spot in Vellakinaru at around 10:40 PM on Monday, November 3 .
During the arrest, the suspects attacked police personnel. Officers were forced to use minimum force. They opened fire below the suspects’ knees to overpower them. A police constable sustained injuries during the confrontation with the trio.
Satish sustained a gunshot wound to one leg. Karthi and Guna were injured in both legs. All three suspects received immediate medical attention. They are currently admitted to a government hospital. The injured police constable is also undergoing treatment at the same facility.
Official Statements and Charges
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin issued a strong condemnation of the sexual assault. He described the tragedy as “inhumane” in a post on social media platform ‘X’. Stalin stated, “No harsh words would be adequate to condemn such heinous crimes.”
He further added, “I have ordered the police to file a chargesheet within a month and get them the maximum punishment as soon as possible.” Stalin expressed hope that women’s progress would challenge patriarchal mindsets and contribute to a progressive society. Police have officially filed a gang rape case against the three suspects.
The sexual assault has sent shock waves across Tamil Nadu. It has also sparked significant political outrage. Various political parties are demanding stringent action against the perpetrators. Further investigation into the case is currently ongoing.