Tamil Nadu Police Officers Arrested for Gang-Raping Andhra Pradesh Woman Fruit Vendor

Two police constables from Tamil Nadu's Tiruvannamalai district have been arrested and suspended after allegedly gang-raping a 25-year-old woman from Andhra Pradesh, according to police reports.

The officers, identified as D Sureshraj and P Sundar, were on patrol duty when they encountered the victim and her mother who had traveled from Andhra Pradesh to sell fruits in Tiruvannamalai on Monday.

Police investigation revealed that the women had parked their vehicle by the roadside late at night when they were approached by the two constables. The officers allegedly forced the women to a secluded location where they sexually assaulted the daughter.

Following the incident, both officers were promptly arrested and suspended from service. In an official statement, police authorities confirmed, "Steps are being taken to award the maximum punishment of dismissal from service," while adding that further investigation continues.

The case has sparked widespread outrage across Tamil Nadu. Opposition Leader and AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a "dark blot" on the state's law and order situation.

Palaniswami further criticized the current administration, stating, "The DMK government has to bow down in shame. I condemn the Stalin model government for pushing women to protect themselves from the police who ought to be their stronghold."