Three Drunk Men Arrested for Kidnapping and Raping College Student in Coimbatore: Political Backlash Follows

Two of the three arrested individuals are siblings while the third is their distant relative, according to police reports.

Coimbatore city police commissioner confirmed on Tuesday that the three men arrested for allegedly abducting and sexually assaulting a female college student near Coimbatore airport in Tamil Nadu were intoxicated during the incident.

The victim was inside a vehicle with her male companion when the accused—identified as Thavasi, Karthik, and Kaliswaran—allegedly kidnapped her, forcibly transported her to another location, and sexually assaulted her. Police reports indicate they damaged the car's windshield with a stone and attacked the victim's friend using a sickle.

Police confirmed that two of the perpetrators are brothers, while the third is their distant relative.

The accused have previous criminal records involving murder and theft cases, with two having been previously released on bail. They had also stolen a motorcycle, according to officials.

Authorities clarified that the suspects have no affiliations with any political organizations.

The three men were apprehended following a brief confrontation with police this morning. They sustained leg injuries from gunshots during the arrest and were subsequently hospitalized. Police stated that evidence from multiple sources confirms these three individuals as the perpetrators.

Law enforcement has denied allegations of delayed response in locating the victim.

The assault occurred around 10:40 PM on Sunday. At 11:20 PM, the victim's friend contacted the police. However, by the time officers arrived at the scene, the suspects had escaped by climbing over a wall. Police had to search three different locations to track down the accused.

Authorities recorded statements from both the survivor and her friend, who were also provided psychological counseling.

The incident has ignited political controversy in Tamil Nadu ahead of assembly elections, with opposition parties criticizing Chief Minister MK Stalin's government regarding law enforcement and women's safety. Opposition Leader Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS), who has announced demonstrations in Coimbatore and across the state, questioned, "Is there a functional police force under Chief Minister MK Stalin?"

The BJP also staged a protest in Coimbatore yesterday evening and announced statewide demonstrations, citing severe shortages in police personnel. Actor-turned-politician Vijay, who leads Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), called on Stalin to "wake up."

Today, Stalin described the incident as "inhumane" and stated he had instructed police to file a chargesheet within a month and ensure severe punishment for those responsible.