In a disturbing incident in Tamil Nadu, four 17-year-old boys have been apprehended for allegedly attacking a migrant worker with a sickle and posting videos of the assault on social media. The teenagers, reportedly intoxicated at the time, were produced before the Juvenile Justice Board in Tiruvallur district following the violent attack, which occurred on December 26, 2025.

Details of the Assault

According to police reports, the incident took place on a suburban train traveling between Chennai and Tiruttani. The victim, identified as Suraj, a 34-year-old migrant worker from Kolhapur district in Maharashtra, was attacked after a verbal altercation with the boys.

The attackers reportedly boarded the train at Thiruvalangadu railway station near Arakkonam. One of the teenagers allegedly asked Suraj whether they could place a sickle on his neck to record a video reel. When Suraj refused, an argument ensued, escalating into a violent assault. Three of the boys attacked him on the head, arms, and legs while the fourth filmed the incident. The group later dragged him to an abandoned railway quarters nearby and continued the attack.

Suraj lost consciousness during the assault but was rescued by bystanders and initially treated at a local government hospital. He was subsequently transferred to the Tiruvallur Government Medical College Hospital, where his condition has been reported as stable.

Social Media and Investigation

A video clip of the attack was uploaded on Instagram and quickly circulated across social media platforms, drawing widespread condemnation. Police identified the attackers using surveillance footage from the railway station and the social media clips. All four teenagers, residents of Nemili near Tiruttani and known to be in conflict with the law, have been sent to a government observation home in Chengalpattu district while investigations continue.

Authorities stated that the juveniles allegedly shared the footage online to gain attention, highlighting a disturbing trend of violence being recorded and disseminated on social media platforms.

Political Reactions

The incident sparked criticism from opposition parties, which blamed the state government for failing to maintain law and order. AIADMK general secretary and Leader of the Opposition, Edappadi K. Palaniswami, described the attack as indicative of a “complete breakdown of law and order” under the DMK government led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. He claimed the state had become a “dangerous environment” with rampant drug abuse and violence.

Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai also held the government accountable, alleging that easy access to narcotics and weapons, coupled with political propaganda against migrant workers, had contributed to the deterioration of public safety. He accused the DMK administration of turning the state into a “jungle raj,” emphasizing the urgent need for stricter measures against juvenile delinquency and criminal behavior.

Police Response and Ongoing Investigation

The Tiruvallur district police have confirmed that a case was registered following the victim’s complaint and public alert. Senior officers noted that surveillance footage and online video evidence played a crucial role in identifying and apprehending the teenagers. Investigations are ongoing to ascertain the motive behind the attack and to examine any wider implications, including the influence of intoxicants and social media behavior.

The authorities also highlighted the importance of monitoring social media for violent content, particularly involving minors, as well as strengthening measures to prevent such attacks on migrant workers and other vulnerable populations.

This incident has reignited debates over juvenile crime, youth behavior, and law enforcement strategies in Tamil Nadu, raising questions about the state government’s approach to curbing violence among minors and protecting citizens from such attacks.