Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu: In a horrifying incident near Coimbatore airport, three men have been arrested for the sexual assault of a college student. Preliminary investigations have revealed that the accused, two of whom are brothers, were under the influence of alcohol and had robbed a two-wheeler before committing the crime. The trio, identified as Satish alias Karuppsamy (30), his brother Karthi alias Kalishewaran (21), and their relative Guna alias Thavasi (20), were apprehended late on Monday at a hiding spot in Vellakinaru after a confrontation with the police.

Coimbatore City Police Commissioner Saravana Sundar confirmed the arrests and described the sequence of events leading up to the capture. According to the commissioner, the accused resisted arrest and attacked the police team, forcing officers to employ minimum force to subdue them. In the process, police discharged firearms below the knees of the suspects, injuring all three. One police constable was also injured in the confrontation. The accused and the injured officer are currently admitted to a government medical facility for treatment.

Following the arrests, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin directed the police to expedite the investigation and file a chargesheet within a month. He further urged authorities to ensure that the accused face the maximum possible punishment under the law. CM Stalin termed the sexual assault as “inhumane” and emphasized that no words would be sufficient to describe the gravity of such heinous crimes.

The Sequence of Events

According to initial reports and police investigations, the three accused were passing by the Coimbatore airport area after having robbed a two-wheeler. At this time, they reportedly consumed alcohol, impairing their judgment and increasing their aggressive tendencies. While in the vicinity, they noticed a college student sitting in a car with a male friend. Taking advantage of the relative isolation of the location, the trio approached the vehicle.

The accused allegedly broke the car windows using stones, creating a chaotic scene. The male companion attempted to intervene or resist, but the suspects attacked him with a sickle, inflicting cut injuries and rendering him unconscious. After incapacitating the male friend, the men dragged the woman to a deserted and poorly lit location nearby, where they proceeded to sexually assault her. The brutality and premeditated nature of the assault highlight the extreme danger posed by the accused.

After the assault, the male friend regained consciousness and immediately contacted the police control room at approximately 11:20 pm. Promptly responding to the distress call, the police arrived at the scene and provided assistance to the survivor, taking her to a hospital for medical attention. Authorities have confirmed that she is now out of immediate danger and is receiving psychological counselling to cope with the trauma.

Profiles and Background of the Accused

The three men are reportedly labourers working in a lathe unit. Preliminary investigations have also revealed that the accused have pending criminal cases against them, including charges of murder and theft. Reports suggest that the trio had been attending court proceedings in connection with a murder case at the time of the incident.

Satish, the eldest, appears to have been the primary instigator, with his younger brother Karthi and their relative Guna participating in the criminal act. This familial connection underscores the complicity and coordination involved in the assault, which was not merely a spontaneous act but involved calculated steps, including robbery and alcohol consumption beforehand. The police have formally registered a gang rape case against the trio, underlining the severity of their crime and the intent to prosecute them under stringent provisions of the Indian Penal Code.

Investigation and Tracking

Coimbatore City Police Commissioner Saravana Sundar described the investigative process leading to the capture of the accused. According to him, authorities reviewed approximately 300 CCTV camera footage clips across the city, particularly focusing on the areas surrounding Coimbatore airport and the likely escape routes used by the suspects. These surveillance videos were meticulously analyzed and cross-referenced with public inputs received from local residents and informants, helping the police to narrow down the search and predict the likely hiding locations of the perpetrators.

Based on the leads, the police were able to trace the suspects to a hiding spot in Vellakinaru, a locality near the city, at around 10:40 pm on Monday. When the police team attempted to apprehend them, the accused attempted to resist arrest violently, attacking the officers on site. To neutralize the threat while avoiding fatalities, the police fired shots below the knees of the suspects, injuring all three and bringing them under control. The police operation, though tense and dangerous, demonstrated precise coordination and restraint.

Injuries and Medical Attention

During the confrontation, one of the accused sustained a gunshot injury in a single leg, while the other two were injured in both legs. Additionally, one police constable sustained injuries while trying to subdue the trio. All individuals involved are now receiving treatment at a government medical facility. Authorities have assured that the medical care for both the injured officers and the accused is being provided according to protocol.

Police and Government Response

In response to the incident, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin emphasized the need for swift justice and maximum legal punishment for the accused. He condemned the assault in the strongest terms and directed the police to submit a chargesheet within 30 days, reflecting the seriousness with which the state government is treating the matter. CM Stalin described the assault as “inhumane” and stressed the importance of protecting women from such violent acts.

The city police have also stated that they are continuing their investigation to determine whether the accused had any prior history of similar offenses and if there are other potential victims. Law enforcement officials are examining additional leads to understand the full scope of the trio’s criminal activities.

Broader Context and Social Concerns

The Coimbatore incident has sparked renewed concern over public safety, especially in isolated or poorly lit areas. Experts note that the combination of prior criminal history, alcohol consumption, and opportunistic targeting of women in vulnerable situations represents a persistent challenge for law enforcement. The case also highlights the critical need for comprehensive community awareness, rapid response mechanisms, and preventive policing to reduce the incidence of such crimes.

Legal Proceedings

A gang rape case has been officially registered against the accused. Legal authorities are expected to initiate prosecution once the chargesheet is submitted. The registration of the gang rape case indicates the application of multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code relating to sexual assault, criminal intimidation, wrongful confinement, and robbery, ensuring that the accused face the full weight of legal accountability.

The police have also assured that they will provide necessary protection and support to the survivor throughout the judicial process. Authorities are coordinating with psychological counselling services to aid the victim in coping with trauma, highlighting a victim-centric approach alongside legal proceedings.

Conclusion

The Coimbatore gang rape case stands out for the brutality, premeditation, and prior criminality of the accused. The combination of robbery, intoxication, and targeted assault underscores the dangerous patterns of criminal behavior in the region. The swift action by the Coimbatore police, combined with the directives from the state government, demonstrates a firm commitment to ensuring justice and preventing further harm.

Tamil Nadu authorities have pledged to pursue the case rigorously, with Chief Minister Stalin emphasizing the need for maximum legal punishment. Meanwhile, the victim is receiving medical and psychological care to support her recovery. The case serves as a grim reminder of the need for enhanced safety measures, vigilant policing, and legal deterrents to address sexual violence and protect vulnerable members of society.