Coimbatore Abduction and Sexual Assault: Three Arrested After Police Encounter

Post by : Raina Nasser

A violent abduction and sexual assault near Coimbatore airport has provoked widespread alarm after a woman college student was reportedly kidnapped and assaulted on Sunday. Police say three suspects — named Thavasi, Karthik and Kaliswaran — were captured following a brief clash early Tuesday; the men sustained gunshot wounds to their legs during the confrontation and were treated in hospital.

Officials report the student had been seated in a car with a male companion when the accused forced their way in, carried her off and transported her to a different site where the assault is alleged to have taken place. Authorities dispatched seven specialised police teams to pursue the culprits, resulting in their arrest within 48 hours of the incident.

The episode has sparked a sharp political backlash across Tamil Nadu, with opposition figures accusing the ruling DMK of failing to maintain public safety. AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami questioned the effectiveness of the police under Chief Minister M K Stalin and announced plans for statewide protests demanding accountability. BJP state chief K Annamalai described the events as "utterly shocking," accusing the government of shielding wrongdoers and asserting that the administration has failed to protect women.

Actor-politician Vijay, leader of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, urged the Chief Minister to take decisive measures, likening the case to the earlier Anna University assault and warning that the community has not recovered from previous incidents.

The National Human Rights Commission characterised the attack as a serious lapse by the state police, asking pointedly, "How many more Nirbhayas before strict action is taken?"

In response, the DMK and senior police officials rejected assertions of a rising crime trend against women, saying swift action is being pursued against offenders and pointing to the recent conviction in the Anna University case as evidence of expedited justice. DMK spokesperson Dr Syed Hafeezullah acknowledged that, despite government efforts, such tragic incidents sometimes occur but emphasised that each case is being handled urgently.

The Coimbatore assault has renewed concerns about women's safety in Tamil Nadu and heightened political tensions ahead of the 2026 state elections, with public scrutiny focused on the investigation's progress and the authorities' response to mounting outrage.