COIMBATORE, Nov 4: The Tamil Nadu Police have arrested three men in connection with the gangrape of a college student near the Coimbatore Airport, an incident that has sparked outrage and renewed calls for stronger safety measures for women.
The accused have been identified as Guna, Karuppasamy, and Karthik alias Kaleeswaran. According to police, the trio attempted to escape from custody, prompting officers to open fire in self-defence, which left all three injured in the leg. They are currently undergoing treatment at a hospital.
The crime took place in Vellakinaru, on the outskirts of Coimbatore. Police said the victim and her friend were attacked by the three accused, who arrived at the scene in a vehicle. The men assaulted the victim’s friend, kidnapped the student, and later abandoned her after sexually assaulting her.
The friend, who regained consciousness after the attack, immediately alerted authorities, following which the Peelamedu police launched a rescue operation and apprehended the suspects.
Political leaders across Tamil Nadu have condemned the brutal crime.
BJP Mahila Morcha National President Vanathi Srinivasan, who visited the crime site, criticized the police for terming the area “remote.”
“This is not a remote location residential colonies are nearby, and the place has unfortunately become a hub for anti-social activities. It is the responsibility of the police and local administration to ensure safety,” she said.
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam General Secretary Aadhav Arjuna also expressed outrage, calling the incident “deeply shocking.” In a post on X, he said the accused, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, had attacked the student’s friend before abducting her.
“This incident reflects the unsafe environment women face in Tamil Nadu. Authorities must take strict action against the perpetrators,” he wrote.
The Coimbatore Police have intensified security checks in the area and assured that a chargesheet will be filed promptly once medical and forensic reports are completed.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the urgent need for women’s safety measures and enhanced night patrols across Coimbatore’s outskirts.