Three Accused Shot, Arrested in Coimbatore Gang-Rape Case
Three men accused of abducting and gang-raping a college student near Coimbatore International Airport were shot in the legs and taken into custody by police on Monday after allegedly attacking an officer while trying to escape.
Incident & Arrest
The attack happened late Sunday night when the accused approached the victim, a young woman with her friend in a parked car. They allegedly assaulted the friend, abducted the woman to a secluded spot behind the airport and carried out the assault. The victim had been studying at a private institution in Coimbatore and lives in a hostel. The accused were later surrounded near a temple. During the confrontation, they allegedly attacked Head Constable Chandrasekhar with sickles, after which officers shot them in the legs and arrested them.
Investigation Details
Police say the three men—identified as Thavasi, Karuppasamy and Kaaleeswaran—come from Sivaganga district and were employed in building-construction work in Coimbatore. They had pending criminal cases and were out on bail in some instances. Investigators say the suspects also stole a two-wheeler used in the crime and consumed alcohol before the abduction. Over 300 CCTV cameras were combed to trace their movements.
Broader Response
The case has triggered statewide outrage and demands for stricter action on crimes against women. Political leaders criticised the state’s law-and-order machinery and called for faster justice. The police commissioner urged media not to publish the identified photos until test‐identification parade is complete and said the survivor is now receiving psychological counselling.
