In a decisive late-night operation on Tuesday, the Coimbatore police arrested three men accused of sexually assaulting a college student near the Coimbatore International Airport on Sunday. The incident, which has sent shockwaves across Tamil Nadu, involved the alleged assault of the student’s female friend, followed by the abduction of the victim herself. According to authorities, the accused attempted to flee when confronted, leading to a shootout in which all three were injured.

The Coimbatore City Police, led by Commissioner Saravana Sundar, detailed the sequence of events in a statement to ANI news agency. The three suspects, identified as Guna, Karuppasamy, and Karthik alias Kaleeswaran, were intercepted in Vellikinaru, on the outskirts of the city. Police said the men were trying to escape when officers had no option but to shoot them in their legs to prevent further flight. “One of the accused was shot in one leg, while the other two sustained injuries in both legs. All three have been sent to GH Coimbatore for treatment. During the encounter, a head constable was also injured,” the commissioner said.

The police action followed meticulous investigative work. Peelamedu police officers analysed CCTV footage from the area to track the suspects’ movements. The footage enabled them to pinpoint the location of the men in a relatively isolated area of Vellikinaru. When the police team attempted to apprehend them, the suspects allegedly attacked the officers, resulting in injuries to one constable. The confrontation forced the police to fire, ensuring both the safety of their team and the eventual arrest of the accused.

Authorities confirmed that all three suspects were immediately taken, along with the injured constable, to a government hospital for medical treatment. Subsequent identification confirmed the accused as Guna, Satish, and Karthik. A formal arrest has been made, and investigations into the case are ongoing.

The assault reportedly took place while the college student was travelling with a female friend in a car on the night of November 2. Eyewitnesses stated that the male friend accompanying the women was chased away during the incident in a secluded area. He sustained minor injuries but was able to report the crime to the police, which initiated the rapid investigation. With the assistance of locals, officers were able to locate the victim, who was then taken to a hospital for medical treatment.

The crime has stirred significant public and political outrage, with calls for strict and immediate action against the perpetrators. Social media and local news outlets have amplified the incident, emphasizing the urgency of enhanced safety measures in public spaces, particularly around transport hubs and isolated areas.

Commissioner Sundar highlighted the importance of technology and community support in the successful apprehension of the accused. The use of CCTV footage and timely information from locals played a critical role in tracking and cornering the suspects. Authorities have reiterated that further details about the investigation will be shared as the case progresses, and they have urged the public not to circulate unverified reports that could hamper the inquiry.

The case has also reignited discussions about the safety of women in Tamil Nadu and across India, particularly regarding isolated areas near major transportation hubs. Law enforcement officials have emphasized the need for increased patrolling, prompt reporting mechanisms, and public awareness campaigns to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The accused are currently under hospital observation, and once medically cleared, they will be remanded to judicial custody. The police continue to examine additional evidence, including digital communications, eyewitness testimonies, and the movements of the accused before and after the incident.

Meanwhile, the community has been urged to assist authorities in any way possible. Local residents who provided initial information have been credited with helping the police locate the victim and ensure her safety. The swift response of law enforcement has been lauded, with many noting that such coordinated efforts are vital in handling sensitive criminal cases efficiently.

The Coimbatore incident serves as a reminder of the persistent challenges surrounding women’s safety in urban and semi-urban areas. The police have reiterated their commitment to a thorough investigation and promised swift legal proceedings against the accused. The Tamil Nadu government has also expressed concern and assured citizens that all necessary steps are being taken to prevent similar crimes and to strengthen measures protecting women in public spaces.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities continue to collect evidence and build the case against the accused, ensuring that justice is delivered in accordance with the law. The incident has prompted renewed discussions among lawmakers, civil society groups, and women’s rights activists about the urgent need for systemic changes, including better street lighting, active community policing, and more robust surveillance infrastructure in vulnerable areas.

The rapid identification and arrest of the suspects underscore the critical role of modern investigative techniques, from CCTV analysis to community engagement, in addressing crimes of this nature. As the accused remain in custody, police officials have stressed that public cooperation and timely reporting of suspicious activity remain essential tools in preventing such incidents in the future.

The case continues to dominate news coverage in Coimbatore and across Tamil Nadu, with authorities promising transparency and updates as legal proceedings progress. Families and communities have rallied around the victims, highlighting the importance of swift justice and systemic reform to ensure the safety and security of women throughout the region.